I face criminal charges! Can I afford a retained criminal defense lawyer?
Criminal charges never come at a good time. If you have a felony or misdemeanor charge, your defense should be your top priority. Your last and only line of defense is a Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney.
“Can I afford a retained lawyer if I face felony or misdemeanor allegations?”
When asking yourself, “Should I retain a criminal lawyer?” or “Can I afford a lawyer?” you have to consider not just the cost of attorney fees but also the cost of a conviction. Penalties for criminal convictions include potential jail sentences, probation, fines, and costs. Many people are unaware that a criminal conviction can jeopardize custody, employment opportunities, financial stability, and other aspects of their lives. Your ability to obtain credit, secure a mortgage or student loan, secure a job that requires a license, or perform any activity that involves a criminal background check can be compromised. A criminal conviction might be on your record for life.
Politicians discussing being “tough on crime” have turned the criminal justice system into a conviction machine and made law enforcement a game where the prize is a bigger budget. Ultimately, many prosecutions are all about the money and the government’s use of police and prosecutors to help balance a strained budget.
So, if the police or anyone accuses you of a crime, you are in the proverbial crosshairs of the criminal justice system, and you are likely asking yourself, “Can I afford a lawyer?”
“Why would I want to hire a lawyer?”
An indigent defendant is entitled to court-appointed counsel in a criminal case. Generally, the court pays court-appointed lawyers a nominal fee to provide adequate defense for those facing criminal charges. The standard for a court-appointed lawyer is to provide a level of defense that is not deficient. There are conscientious, hard-working appointed lawyers. On the other hand, some focus on acquiring as many clients as possible to maximize their income, which can compromise the level of representation provided to their clients. Still, many lack the skill and talent to provide a meaningful defense or the savvy to negotiate a favorable resolution with the prosecutor and judge. Hiring an experienced and reputable defense lawyer is the only way to ensure you receive a good defense. To secure the best defense, you will have to engage a top-level, specialized criminal defense lawyer who will do whatever it takes to protect and defend you. “Can you afford a lawyer?” What is the value of your future, employability, family, status in the United States, reputation, and civil rights? The answer to these questions will guide your decision on whether to hire a private attorney or seek court-appointed counsel.
Is a great criminal defense lawyer a want or a need?
The reality is that if you want a good lawyer, you will need to pay them. You will likely have to pay more than you expect, and you will need to pay some of the fee upfront. Most criminal defense lawyers charge flat fees, payable at the beginning of the case. Some offer payment plans. Costs are the client’s responsibility and may include subpoena fees, investigative expenses, reproduction of discovery, and transcription costs.
If you don’t have the financial wherewithal to hire a lawyer, finding a way to make it happen is in your best interest. If there has ever been a time in your life to ask friends, family, or employers for help, this is the time. Your job, future, life, and liberty are on the line. At such a critical time in your life, it is not the time to shop for discounts. You get what you pay for, especially when it comes to defense lawyers in the criminal defense world. Hiring a cheap lawyer generally results in bargain-basement service and bargain-basement results. Considering the potential repercussions of a criminal conviction, you need the best lawyer you can get.
Is it okay to ask my family and friends to help me find a lawyer?
People often reach out to those they trust when they face the question, “Can I afford to hire a lawyer?” Your family or friends can help you locate the right attorney and move quickly, so you don’t lose ground in your case.
If you need financial support, you still have practical options. Most criminal defense lawyers accept credit cards, and many clients use credit lines or personal assets because they understand the potential impact a criminal charge can have on their financial situation. Consider these choices with the stakes in mind. A conviction can cost you your freedom, your career, your immigration status, or your reputation. You can rebuild finances. You cannot rebuild a life damaged by an avoidable outcome.
This reality isn’t pressure. It’s perspective. Your future carries more weight than any short-term sacrifice. An experienced lawyer who has the time, resources, and commitment to fight for you can make the difference between a setback and a lasting consequence.
What does it mean when someone says, “You cannot afford ‘not’ to get the best lawyer possible?”
When someone says you cannot afford “not” to hire the best lawyer possible, they emphasize the importance of having top-notch legal representation in your situation. It implies that the potential consequences of not having a skilled and experienced attorney could be so severe that they outweigh any financial concerns associated with hiring a top-tier lawyer.
In some legal matters, such as criminal cases or complex civil litigation, the outcome can have far-reaching implications on your life, liberty, or financial well-being. A skilled lawyer can significantly impact the course of your case, potentially leading to reduced charges, dismissal of the case, or a more favorable judgment.
Does having a retained criminal defense lawyer make a difference?
Without strong legal representation, you may risk losing your case, incurring heavy fines, or even receiving a jail sentence. In such situations, investing in the best possible lawyer could be the difference between a favorable and disastrous outcome. While hiring an experienced lawyer may involve higher upfront costs and seem difficult to afford, the potential long-term consequences of not securing their services could be significantly more financially and emotionally draining. Hence, the saying emphasizes the importance of seeking the best legal counsel to protect your interests and secure the most favorable outcome possible in critical legal matters.
Instead of asking, “Can I afford a lawyer?” consider asking yourself, “Can I afford ‘not’ to have a good lawyer?”
You are worth more than that. You deserve to be defended by someone who takes the time to get to know you, puts up a fight for you, and cares what happens to you. Although it may not be easy to come up with the necessary legal fees for an excellent criminal defense lawyer, you definitely can’t afford not to hire one. Instead of asking, “Can I afford a lawyer?” consider asking yourself, “Can I afford not to have a good lawyer? If you call LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., we will take the time to talk with you, answer your questions, and work with you to find an affordable fee for us to protect and defend you in court.
Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.
We will find a way to help you.
We Are Not Afraid to Win!
