Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming for anyone, especially if the charges are severe. Your priority should be determining the right course of action for your case, and that generally involves hiring the right criminal defense lawyer to represent you. Having the right lawyer in your corner can be extremely beneficial. However, you may be hesitant to hire a lawyer for financial reasons. How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in New York? It depends on multiple factors.
If you are seeking to hire a criminal defense lawyer, you likely have been made aware of charges against you. You may be facing potential felony charges that come with serious legal penalties. Having a criminal defense attorney on your side who understands New York criminal defense laws can make all the difference. You will want the right person by your side who has experience handling criminal defense cases just like yours. Our firm can help you.
Why Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
There are many important reasons why you should hire a criminal defense lawyer. Above all, you will want peace of mind that your case is being handled by someone who knows how to help you. Whether you are facing charges for assault, sex crimes, larceny, drug crimes, a DUI, or a white collar crime, you need a law firm like Koch Law advocating for you. Our founder, Lee A. Koch is a proud veteran with considerable experience handling criminal defense cases just like yours.
According to recent statistical data gathered by the United States Sentencing Commission, there were over 2,600 criminal sentences carried out in the state of New York in 2024. Some of them may have failed to hire adequate legal representation, and that may have resulted in harsher sentencing. Between January and June 2025, there have been over 200,000 arrests throughout the state, according to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. Hiring the right lawyer matters.
How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in New York?
The amount of money that your criminal defense lawyer will charge for their services depends entirely on a number of important factors, many of which are unique to your case. It is important to keep in mind that every criminal defense case is different, with each case having its own contributing factors and specific circumstances that will directly influence the total cost of your lawyer and their help. Some of those contributing factors include:
- Severity of the charges. The more severe your potential penalties, the more work it is going to take your lawyer to develop a strong defense for you. Misdemeanors are often much less expensive to deal with than serious felonies, as they are typically easier to resolve and require less preparation time.
- Complexity of the case. If a case is more complex, there is much more that could potentially go wrong. When your lawyer is dealing with intricate evidence, multiple witnesses, or charges that cross state lines, they will need to spend more time building a solid case. The cost of a complex case may fall on you. A case that goes to trial will also be more expensive than one that resolves with a plea deal.
- Experience and reputation. Generally, the fee a lawyer charges is largely dependent on their own experience handling cases similar to yours, as well as the reputation they have developed in their area over a certain amount of time. You will want a lawyer who has some applicable experience, but a recognizable name will likely cost more, as they will be more in demand.
FAQs
How Much Does It Cost to Have a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
The cost to have a criminal defense lawyer in New York can range considerably depending on the law firm and the details of the case involved. Every defense lawyer charges a different amount for their services, and they reach that number by considering a number of contributing factors present in the case at hand. Those factors include the severity of your charge, the evidence against you, and the lawyer’s own education, experience, and resources available to them.
Who Pays Criminal Defense Lawyers?
Ultimately, you would be responsible for paying your criminal defense lawyer for their services. The way that you pay might be different with every lawyer. Some work for a flat fee, while others may work on a retainer or on a contingency fee basis. Some lawyers may even offer a payment plan. This is something you will work out with your lawyer before agreeing to hire them. When you schedule a consultation with an attorney, you can discuss their fees.
How Much Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Affect a Case?
Criminal defense lawyers have a considerable impact on the cases they choose to take. Without a defense lawyer, you will likely not be successful in defending yourself against an experienced prosecutor. You may end up serving the maximum sentence for the crime you are charged with. A skilled defense lawyer’s help makes all the difference in the outcome of a case. They help you plan a strategy, advocate for you in court, and ensure nobody takes advantage of your rights.
Can a Lawyer Go to Jail for Defending a Criminal?
No, a defense lawyer cannot go to jail for defending a criminal. If their client were to lose and be convicted, that doesn’t mean their lawyer is punished for defending them. Every defendant has the right to have legal counsel. While lawyers can certainly be in danger of being jailed if they break the law themselves, defending their client is well within their job description, and there is no danger of following their client into jail should they lose.
Contact a Seasoned New York Criminal Defense Lawyer You Can Trust Today
If you are facing criminal charges, it is imperative that you reach out and hire a defense lawyer as soon as you can. At Koch Law, we can help you figure out the right path forward for your case. Contact us to speak to a valued team member about your options.
New York Criminal Defense Resources:
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