Your guide to legal fees in Queensland – Criminal Cases

Legal fees can be a sensitive topic but is a major factor for clients when choosing a lawyer.

Most of our clients have never been involved in the criminal law process, and so it is difficult for them to know what to expect.

Below, we break down the basics of how legal fees work in criminal cases.

1.      Types of fee structures

Legal fees for criminal cases can vary depending on the experience of the lawyer and the complexity of the case. The common fee structures include:

Fixed fees - for simple cases, lawyers may offer a fixed fee. This means you will pay a set amount for the entire case or specific stages of it. This may be suitable for cases in the Magistrates Court, such as traffic offences, simple drug offences, or assault charges with no criminal history.

Hourly fees - some lawyers charge by the hour, billing for the time spent on your case. This structure is more common for complex matters that require extensive preparation or unpredictable amounts of work. The hourly fee typically ranges between $440 to $880 including GST for a criminal lawyer in Queensland, depending on the level of experience.

There are no, no-win-no-fee options for a criminal law case. That fee structure is usually for compensation or personal injuries law.

Staged payments: Lawyers may break down fees into stages of the case, such as pre-trial preparation, trial, and post-trial work. This can help clients manage costs over time.

2.      Factors influencing legal fees

The cost of legal representation depends on several factors, including:

Complexity of the case - serious or complex charges often require more time and expertise, which can increase fees.

Experience of the lawyer – senior lawyers with extensive experience typically charge higher fees due to their expert legal advice.

Court appearances - cases requiring frequent court appearances or lengthy trials will cost more.

Urgent legal advice - if your case requires immediate attention, additional fees may apply for expedited work.

Volume of evidence – if the evidence is extensive, or contains hours of CCTV, recordings, or text messages, this will take more time to examine.

3.      Payment options

Many lawyers offer flexible payment options to make legal representation more accessible. This includes an upfront deposit and then scheduled payments. This breaks down the total fee into smaller, manageable instalments, over a period of time.

Usually, deposits are made into the law firm’s trust account, and drawn upon as work progresses. A trust account is a secure account where your money is held separately and only used for your legal fees as work is completed. This ensures transparency and protects your funds.

4.      Why investing in an expert criminal lawyer matters

While legal fees can be significant, investing in an experienced criminal lawyer can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case.

This can make a difference between going to prison or not, or having a conviction recorded or not.

Conclusion

Understanding how legal fees work for criminal cases can help you plan and make the best decision for your situation.

At Ashworth Lawyers, our experienced Brisbane criminal lawyers offer transparent fees and flexible payment options. Contact us today for a confidential consultation to discuss your case and how we can assist you.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact us for specific advice tailored to your circumstances.