Do Utah criminal defense
attorneys offer payment plans?
The costs and fee structure in a
Utah
criminal defense case can depend
on a number of factors. Some cases can be handled on a flat-fee basis.
Other cases may be better suited to an hourly fee agreement. In some
cases, payment plans may be offered.
Based in Salt Lake City, Stephen Howard is a Utah
criminal
defense attorney who has successfully defended his clients'
rights in thousands of serious felony and misdemeanor cases. His
track record includes not
guilty verdicts, dismissals, and appellate reversals in some of the
most serious charges on the books in Utah. If you are facing criminal
prosecution in Utah, you deserve an
experienced
criminal attorney on your side.
Contact
us now to arrange for an initial consultation.
Factors Affecting Fees in a Utah Criminal Defense Case
There are a number of factors that can affect the ultimate cost of a
criminal defense case. Chief among these factors can be the nature and
number of charges that are involved. But other factors should be
considered as well. Will an investigator be required to obtain evidence
or information from witnesses? Will an expert be required to rebut the
prosecution's case?
As a general rule,
felony
cases are more complex than
misdemeanor
cases, and therefore can also be more expensive to defend. Under Utah
law, class A misdemeanor charges entitle the defendant to some of the
same procedural protections that are otherwise reserved for defendants
facing felony charges.
Another important factor in assessing the anticipated cost of defending
a criminal charge is whether the defendant intends to take the case all
the way to
trial,
or hopes instead to work out a
negotiated
resolution? In many cases, a negotiated resolution may
actually provide a better outcome than if the case were presented to a
jury. But in other cases, the protections of a jury trial are required
to properly defend the case.
Regardless of the charges you are facing, and regardless of your
financial situation, your attorney should be willing to have an open
and honest discussion with you about the anticipated costs of defending
your case.
Flat-Fee v. Hourly Rates
Traditionally, attorneys have billed clients based on the number of
hours spent working on the client's case. Flat-fee provide an
alternative to hourly-billing agreements. Flat-fee agreements typically
involve an agreement by an attorney to represent a client in a specific
matter for a specific fixed fee. Both hourly and flat-fee agreements
have advantages and disadvantages.
One of advantages of a flat-fee agreement is the benefit of
having certainty in
regard to what the case will cost. Paying by the hour may mean
that you end up paying more if the case becomes more complicated. But
if the case resolves quickly, an hourly fee agreement may cost less. A
flat-fee agreement eliminates some of the uncertainty involved in an
hourly fee agreement.
Whether you choose a flat-fee arrangement or hire an attorney on an
hourly basis, it is important to
discuss fees openly with your attorney so that each of you has a clear
understanding of the agreed upon fee structure.
What kind of payments do you accept?
Our law office regularly accepts credit/debit cards, checks, or
cash as payment. Payment plans can sometimes be negotiated on a
case-by-case basis.
Utah Criminal Defense Attorney in Salt Lake City
As a Utah
criminal defense attorney
based in Salt Lake City, Stephen Howard has defended clients throughout
the state. His
track record includes
dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and appellate reversals on some of the
most serious charges on the books in Utah.
Contact us today to
arrange for an initial case consultation.