Pricing

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Florida?

One of the most common questions we get is: “How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for my case?”

We believe in being upfront and transparent. Below, you’ll find typical pricing for some of the most frequently prosecuted cases in Central Florida, particularly Orange and Osceola counties. Keep in mind that every case is unique, and fees may vary depending on the facts of your case, your criminal history, and whether the case goes to trial.

Below is a transparent guide to typical fees for common charges.

Misdemeanor Charges

Charge	Starting Fee
DUI – First Offense (no accident/injury)	$2,500
Reckless Driving	$1,500
No Valid Driver License or Driving While License Suspended (with knowledge)	$1,200
Petit Theft (shoplifting under $750)	$1,200
Possession of Marijuana (under 20g, misdemeanor)	$1,500
Simple Battery / Disorderly Conduct / Trespass	$1,500

Third Degree Felony Charges

Charge	Starting Fee
Possession of Controlled Substance (non-trafficking)	$3,500
Felony Driving While License Suspended	$2,500
Grand Theft ($750 – $20,000)	$3,500
Burglary of a Conveyance (unoccupied)	$3,500

*If your charge is not listed, please contact us for a quote.

Serious Felonies (Case-Specific Pricing)

For more serious charges, fees depend on the facts of the case and cannot be quoted as a flat rate. However, our firm specializes in always providing reasonable fees even for these types of cases so that it does not become cost prohibited to having a strong legal team to defend against the most serious of charges. Especially, if you feel you are wrongly, or wrongfully accused, and believe your case is one that will need to go to trial if the State doesn’t dismiss the charges, we want to speak with you. We can almost always come up with an affordable payment option to assist you, and most clients we serve.

Examples include:

Burglary of Dwelling / Conveyance with an Assault/Battery
Armed Robbery
Aggravated Assault with a Firearm
Drug Trafficking
Sexual Battery
Shooting a Deadly Missile
Manslaughter or Homicide

*For these and similar more serious charges such as second degree felonies, first degree felonies, life felonies, or federal cases, we require more information before we can give an exact quote.

*For these cases, please contact us directly for a confidential consultation so we can discuss your options and provide a customized fee quote.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lawyer Costs in Florida

How much does it cost to hire a criminal defense lawyer in Florida?
The cost depends on the charge and the complexity of your case. For common misdemeanors, fees often start around $1,200–$2,500. For third-degree felonies, fees usually range from $3,500–$5,000. More serious cases such as drug trafficking or violent felonies require a consultation to determine fees.

Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. We know most people don’t budget for unexpected criminal charges. We offer affordable payment plans so you can get legal representation right away without having to pay everything up front. Alternatively, we offer discounted prices if the fee is paid in full up front without a payment plan. Ask us about those discounts.

Do I have to pay extra if my case goes to trial?
No. Unlike many law firms, we usually include trial fees in our flat rates. That means as long as you stay current on your payment plan, you won’t have to decide whether you can afford to fight your case at trial.

Why do you charge flat fees instead of hourly rates?
We use flat fees for all criminal cases so you know exactly what your case will cost from the beginning. There are no surprise bills and no pressure to end your case early just to save money.

Why don’t you list prices for all criminal charges?
Some cases, such as violent felonies, drug trafficking, or homicide, are too complex for one-size-fits-all pricing. Every case is unique. Factors like the complexity of the evidence, prior criminal history, and whether the case is one that can be resolved quickly or requires litigation can all impact the fee. These cases require more information before we can give a fair and accurate fee quote.

Can I hire you if I can’t pay the whole fee upfront?
Yes. Many of our clients hire us with a down payment and then make payments over time. We work with clients to set up plans that make quality defense representation affordable.

Is the consultation free?
Yes. Your first consultation is always free and confidential, whether in person, by phone, or virtually.