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Sep 15, 2026
In Los Angeles, a criminal defense lawyer’s cost depends on the situation. All legal cases come with inherent complexity, but criminal law cases can be particularly complicated. If you are shopping around for an attorney, it’s natural to ask, “How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Los Angeles, CA?”
How much a criminal defense lawyer costs in Los Angeles, California, depends on your unique criminal case, the lawyer you select, and other contributing factors. Before partnering with a criminal defense lawyer, it can be helpful to understand the fees and factors that add up to the total cost.
Types of Fees
There are a few different ways that you may be able to pay for a criminal defense lawyer. The two main types of payment methods for criminal defense lawyers are flat fees and hourly rates. It is also possible that you must pay with a combination of the two.
Flat Fees
Flat fees are a set price that a client pays a lawyer, often for a particular stage of the criminal case process. A flat fee can protect the client, as regardless of the number of hours or amount of work the lawyer puts in, the fee remains the same. On the flip side, many lawyers do not choose the flat fee option if a case is particularly complicated, as they may anticipate working extra hours on the defense.
Hourly Rates
For more complex cases or stages of the case, it is not uncommon for a lawyer to require an hourly rate. This compensates the lawyer and the firm for all the hours of research and work they perform on their client’s behalf.
Hourly rates depend on factors such as a defense lawyer’s experience and education, the success rate of the firm, and the region or area where a case is being handled. For example, if a criminal defense lawyer charges an hourly rate of $250 and works on a case for four hours, their client would owe them $1,000 (four hours x $250/hour rate).
Retainers
A true retainer, or a classic retainer, typically secures the availability of a lawyer in case of future need over time. A typical retainer, sometimes referred to as a special retainer or advance fee deposit, pays in advance for legal services provided regarding a specific case. A retainer may be non-refundable. It is not unusual for a criminal defense lawyer to charge a retainer or deposit (or advance fee), from which they draw the appropriate amount as they complete work on a case.
How Are Criminal Defense Lawyer Costs Calculated
Each criminal law case is unique, which means that a lawyer often sets an hourly fee or a flat fee based on the specific set of circumstances in a case. When calculating costs, a lawyer considers details like those listed below:
- If the charge is a misdemeanor or felony under the California Penal Code.
- The time and resources required to understand the laws pertaining to the case and apply them to prepare a solid defense.
- The strengths and weaknesses in the defense.
- Potential witnesses, their testimonies, and how they help or hinder the defense.
- Whether hiring another professional, such as a private investigator, could strengthen the defense.
A defense lawyer also takes into consideration the experience and skills they have to offer, their years of education and employment, and their degree of success with similar cases.
Why Contingency Fees Aren’t Available in Criminal Cases
Contingency fees are fees that a lawyer collects only after they have won a case or recovered money for their client. This usually looks like the lawyer claiming a certain percentage of the money recovered from the case. For example, a lawyer may agree to a 20% contingent fee in a trucking accident. If the lawyer wins the case and the client receives $10,000, the lawyer receives $2,000, and the client keeps the other $8,000.
In a criminal case, however, contingency fees are both impractical and unethical. They are impractical in that criminal cases do not result in the defendant recovering money. They are unethical because the result of the case determines the lawyer’s financial gain and may sway the lawyer in unhelpful ways. Contingent fees are not available in a criminal law case. Rather, they are used in civil cases.
California State Bar Rules for Client Funds
California law distinguishes between an advance fee and a true retainer. An advance fee pays for legal services the attorney is going to perform. Under Rule 1.15 of the California Rules of Professional Conduct (CRPC), these funds generally belong to the client until earned and must be kept in a client trust account. The attorney may withdraw money as services are completed.
A flat fee paid in advance may be deposited into the firm’s operating account if the lawyer provides the required written disclosures. The client must be informed that they may require the fee to remain in a trust account and that any unearned portion is refundable. For flat fees exceeding $1,000, the client must sign a disclosure and agreement.
Do I Get My Money Back if My Case Is Dismissed Early?
You may receive a partial refund if your case is dismissed early, but a dismissal does not automatically entitle you to a refund of the entire fee or part of it. Under Rule 1.16 of the CRPC, a lawyer must promptly refund unearned advance fees when representation ends. The amount depends on the fee agreement and work already completed, such as reviewing evidence, appearing in court, or negotiating the dismissal.
What Should a Criminal Defense Fee Agreement Include?
A written fee agreement for a criminal case should clearly explain how attorney fees are charged and which services are included. For a flat fee, it should be made clear whether the price covers the entire case or only a particular stage, such as negotiations before trial. Going to trial, filing an appeal, or handling probation issues may require additional fees.
An hourly agreement should identify the attorney’s rates, billing increments, and how often the client receives statements. The agreement should also address expenses such as the cost of investigators, professional witnesses, transcripts, travel, and document preparation. When looking to hire a criminal defense lawyer, ask whether these costs are included in the legal fee or billed separately.
Before signing, you should understand when payments are due, how advance funds are handled, and what happens if either party ends the representation.
Can I Use a Payment Plan to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
With 179,821 felony and 451,647 misdemeanor cases filed in California Superior Courts for fiscal year 2023-2024, it’s important for Los Angeles residents to understand their options for securing representation. Some Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers offer payment plans, although availability and terms vary by firm and case. A payment plan may allow you to pay an initial deposit and make scheduled payments instead of covering the entire fee at once.
Ask whether the arrangement includes interest, finance charges, late fees, or deadlines tied to important stages of the case. You should also find out whether missed payments could cause the attorney to seek permission to withdraw.
Additional Costs to Consider
When you are evaluating the costs of your criminal defense case, you should also consider fees beyond the hourly or flat rate that your lawyer charges. These can include additional costs your lawyer may ask you to cover, post-conviction legal fees, and other additional costs. These are explained below:
- Post-conviction fees. These include costs for getting your criminal record expunged, removing bench warrants, and addressing any violations of your probation.
- Additional lawyer fees. These can include a wide range of costs, such as court filing fees. You should discuss the details of what you are responsible for paying and ask that it is clearly outlined in writing.
Why Choose Us?
If you are facing criminal charges and are looking to hire a criminal defense lawyer, the Gibbons & Gibbons team is ready to support you. With over 60 years of experience and a deep understanding of California criminal law, we have worked to establish ourselves as a respected and reputable criminal defense law firm.
FAQs
Q: How Much Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Cost in Los Angeles, CA?
A: The cost of a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles varies significantly based on the severity of the crime you have been charged with, the complexity of the case, and the experience level of the lawyer. Whether your attorney is located in Norwalk West or in Studebaker can also affect pricing. For an accurate cost estimate, talk with potential defense attorneys in your area.
Q: What Do Most Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys Charge Per Hour?
A: There is no standard hourly rate charged by criminal defense attorneys in California. Some attorneys charge an hourly rate, while some charge a flat fee. Some criminal defense attorneys in LA charge a retainer, and others offer payment plan options. Expect to pay in the higher range for a more experienced lawyer or if your case is exceptionally complex.
Q: What Is the Highest Retainer Fee for a Lawyer?
A: There is no cap on retainer fees for lawyers in California. Before hiring any attorney, it is important to understand precisely what you are ultimately going to owe your lawyer. You should understand whether you can expect to receive part of your retainer fee back or if you are going to have to pay more for additional billed hours. You should understand any written agreements you make with your criminal defense attorney.
Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer With Experience in LA
If you have questions or are looking for legal support, Gibbons & Gibbons has the resources and skills you need to achieve an ideal outcome in your criminal case. Reach out to us to schedule a meeting.
