What Factors Affect Criminal Defense Costs

The biggest cost drivers in criminal defense are: charge severity (felonies cost 3–10x more than misdemeanors), whether the case goes to trial (trials cost 2–3x more than plea deals), case complexity (multiple charges, multiple defendants, complex evidence), attorney experience and reputation, and geographic location (urban attorneys charge more).

Cases involving expert witnesses, private investigators, or extensive discovery cost significantly more than straightforward cases..