How much does a criminal lawyer cost in NC? That is one of the first and most important questions people ask when they are facing charges. The answer depends on several factors, including the type of charge, whether it is a misdemeanor or felony, how complex the case is, and how long it is expected to last.

This post explains how many criminal defense lawyers in North Carolina ordinarily set fees, what types of billing structures are common, and what is typically included and not included in those legal fees. Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of what to expect and how the process works.

While there is no statewide fee chart, a lot of private attorneys charge flat fees tailored to the specifics of your case.

Legal fees may cover investigation, pretrial motions, plea negotiations, and court appearances. A trial may require an additional fee, depending on the structure of the agreement. Again, a lot depends on what type of case you have, what the facts are, what the State can prove or not prove, your prior record, and the severity of the legal matter.

There is good news.

Most defense lawyers provide a free consultation to discuss the big picture aspects of your case, to determine the law firm’s availability for representation, and the associated legal fees.

Have questions? Do you have a DWI or other serious legal matter in Union, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Gaston, Rowan, or Lincolnton NC? The legal team a Powers Law Firm may be able to help.  Give us a ring or TEXT 704-342-4357

Our defense lawyers handle criminal charges, including things like:

• Impaired Driving: DUI/DWI
• Misdemeanor Death by Vehicle
• Felony Death by Vehicle
• Serious Assault Charges and Felony Serious Injury
• Domestic Violence charges
• Felony Assault DV

How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in NC for Misdemeanors and Felonies?

There is no statewide fee schedule in North Carolina for privately retained criminal cases.

The cost of representation depends on the nature and complexity of the charges.

A simple misdemeanor or traffic ticket with no prior record and a single court appearance may be relatively inexpensive.

By contrast, a felony involving serious injury or potential prison time could require substantial legal fees, and that’s before you factor in any outside costs like expert witnesses or investigators.

Some factors that affect cost include:

• Whether the case is in District Court or Superior Court

• Whether the case has been indicted or not

• The number of charges and whether they carry mandatory prison terms, if convicted

• Whether the defendant is on probation or has prior convictions, dismissals or deferrals (deferred prosecution / 15A conditional discharge, etc.)

• The availability (or lack) of diversion, deferred prosecution, or dismissal options

• The likelihood of trial versus plea negotiation

• How much investigation is required, including reviewing videos, police reports, or forensic evidence

Time is money in criminal defense.

The more hours a lawyer expects to spend on your case, from early court appearances to preparing for trial, the more likely a flat fee will reflect that.

What Determines How Much a Criminal Lawyer Costs in NC?

A lot of private criminal defense attorneys in North Carolina use flat fees rather than billing by the hour.

This means you agree in advance to pay a set amount for defined legal services.

Flat fees promote clarity, limit billing disputes, and help you to budget accordingly.

Felony Death by Vehicle:  What Is It?

A single flat fee might cover everything through a plea deal.

If the case proceeds to trial, the fee agreement may include a separate trial fee or build that cost into the original agreement.

Hourly billing is less common in criminal defense, but some attorneys use it for certain matters, for example, when reviewing discovery to provide a second opinion, or when the criminal charges also involve civil matters, like a domestic violence protective order.

Do Defense Attorneys Offer Payment Plans?

Some criminal defense lawyers offer structured payment plans, particularly for lower-level offenses.

When it comes to payment plans for legal fees, financial considerations are typically analyzed on a case-by-case basis.

Timing matters.

Law firms are not banks.

Most do not finance cases over long periods.

Your defense lawyer may agree to partial payments if the case is still in early stages or has not yet been charged.

If you wait to retain legal counsel until immediately before an upcoming court date or court appearance, it may limit your options for working out a payment plan with your lawyer.

It’s important to understand that if you’re facing jail time or felony charges, the firm may require a substantial portion of the fee upfront.

In most cases, even with payment plans, the full amount will likely need to be paid before the case proceeds to trial.

Unlike personal injury lawyers, Criminal defense lawyers in North Carolina are prohibited from charging contingency fees.

That means payment of legal fees cannot depend on the outcome of the case.

If you need time to pay, ask up front if that’s an option.

That discussion should happen before representation begins, not after multiple court appearances.

Hiring a Criminal Lawyer in NC does not guarantee a dismissal or a specific result

When you hire a criminal defense lawyer, you’re not paying for a guaranteed result.

You’re paying for courtroom experience, dedicated advocacy, case strategy, and an honest assessment of the allegations against you.

Your lawyer’s job is to investigate the charges, analyze the evidence, identify potential legal issues, and advise you on your options at each important stage of the case.

When the charges are serious, your lawyer may think it makes sense to bring in an expert witness.

That might be someone like a toxicologist, a forensic specialist, or an accident reconstructionist, depending on what is needed.

These costs are usually billed separately.

Legal fees normally don’t cover expert witness fees.

Should you hire a lawyer?

The real cost of a criminal conviction doesn’t necessarily involve money, although criminal charges may come with costs of court, community service fees, restitution, substance use assessment fees (and treatment costs), and probation supervision fees.

Despite efforts towards restorative justice, a criminal record can affect your ability to find housing, apply for jobs, keep your driver’s license, or maintain professional licensure.

In some cases, you may lose voting rights (for a period of time), firearm rights (if convicted of a felony or subject to a 50B / Domestic Violence Restraining Order  or other court order), or immigration status.

These consequences can last far beyond a jail or prison sentence.

Iredell Death by Vehicle Charges

Hiring a lawyer doesn’t mean your case will be dismissed.

However, it means you have someone trained in the law who understands what the prosecution must prove and what defenses are available under North Carolina law.

You’ll have someone who can determine when it’s appropriate to challenge illegal stops, suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and help you understand when a plea might be worth considering or when pleading “not guilty” and taking a case to trial makes sense.

When to Call a Criminal Defense Attorney in North Carolina

In our opinion, the earlier, the better.

If you’ve been arrested, contacted by law enforcement, or even suspect that you’re under investigation, don’t wait.

A lawyer can help you avoid making statements that could harm your case.

Delays can limit your options.

Witnesses move.

Surveillance footage is erased.

Police forget details.

And some types of hearings or diversion programs require quick action.

Whether your case is in Mecklenburg, Union, Iredell, Gaston, or any other North Carolina county, moving quickly may prove to be an important aspect of your defense strategy.

Free Consultations: What You Can Expect

Many, if not most, private criminal defense attorneys in North Carolina offer a free consultation.

This isn’t just a meet-and-greet.

It’s a confidential opportunity to explain what’s going on and get a general sense of what legal representation would involve.

You’ll learn what the process will likely entail and what the law firm or lawyer charges.

A consultation is not the same as ongoing representation.

You’re not committing to anything just by having a conversation.

Have Questions? Not sure what to do about criminal charges? 

The legal team at the Powers Law Firm provides legal guidance to clients facing serious criminal charges in the Charlotte metro region, including Mecklenburg, Iredell, Union, Gaston, Rowan, Lincoln, and Stanly Counties. If you’ve been charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle, felony death by vehicle, or impaired driving (DUI/DWI) it would be an honor to explain what your case involves, what it could cost, and what you can realistically expect.

Call or TEXT 704-342-4357 now for a confidential consultation and to determine the firm’s availability for legal representation.