When your career, reputation, and future are on the line, the cost of a good criminal attorney is often the first question that comes to mind. But not all defense is created equal. At Kersey Law, our mission is to provide life-changing defense for licensed professionals, military personnel, and college students facing high-stakes criminal cases in California.

With over 15 years of experience and 1,000+ clients served, we don’t just defend; we protect your future. We’ve been honored by Elite Lawyer, Super Lawyers, and are recognized by National Trial Lawyers Top 100 for our results. Here’s a look at what you can expect when hiring a good criminal attorney and how Kersey Law delivers unmatched value.

Factors Influencing the Cost of a Criminal Attorney

Nature of the Case

The complexity of your case impacts the cost. Misdemeanors typically require less time and resources than felonies or federal cases, which involve higher stakes and demand intensive work.

Attorney’s Experience and Specialization

Not every attorney understands the high-stakes needs of licensed professionals or military personnel. A criminal attorney with experience handling cases like yours brings industry knowledge and tailored strategies, which often comes at a premium.

Geographic Location

Location affects costs, too. Legal fees in metropolitan areas like San Diego may be higher than those in smaller regions. However, with Kersey Law, you’re investing in recognized, top-tier defense that meets California’s rigorous standards.

Cost Breakdown: Common Fee Structures

Hourly Rates

Many criminal attorneys charge hourly. Typical rates in California range from $200 to $700 per hour. Complex cases or urgent situations may lead to higher fees. For intricate or drawn-out cases, an hourly structure can provide a thorough, flexible defense. The main problem with hourly rates, is that they can add up over time.

Flat Fees

Some law firm may charge a flat fee. This provides clarity on costs upfront. Flat fees cover all critical elements of your defense, from strategy planning and evidence gathering to court appearances and client meetings.

Retainer Fees and Deposits

A retainer secures our team’s dedicated work on your case. For high-stakes situations, we maintain a retainer to guarantee you’re prioritized. Retainers are common for clients with ongoing needs, especially those facing extended legal battles.

Contingency Fees

In criminal defense, contingency fees are not allowed. Criminal attorneys must work on an hourly or flat-fee basis, meaning your investment ensures a comprehensive defense aligned with California’s legal standards.

Cost Breakdown: Why Kersey Law Offers Flat Fees for Criminal Defense

At Kersey Law, we believe in transparency and predictability, which is why we exclusively offer flat fees for our criminal defense services. Flat fees provide clarity from the start, ensuring you know exactly what to expect without hidden costs or hourly rates that can add up unexpectedly. This approach is especially valuable for high-stakes cases where peace of mind and budget certainty are essential.

Why Flat Fees Benefit Clients Facing Criminal Charges

1. Financial Clarity and Predictability With flat fees, you won’t be surprised by escalating costs. You’ll have a clear understanding of the investment required for your defense from the outset, allowing you to budget with confidence. When you’re facing a serious situation, knowing your legal costs upfront provides valuable peace of mind.
2. Focus on the Case, Not the Clock Hourly billing can create pressure to minimize time, but that’s not how we approach defense. With a flat fee, our attorneys are free to focus entirely on building the strongest possible case for you, without watching the clock. Your case gets the attention it deserves, no matter how much time it takes.
3. Comprehensive, All-Inclusive Service Our flat fees cover all necessary aspects of your case, from strategy development and evidence gathering to court appearances and negotiations. You won’t be billed for each phone call, meeting, or hour in court. Everything required for your defense is included, giving you assurance that we’re here for you, every step of the way.

Average Costs for Different Criminal Cases in California

Misdemeanor Cases

For simple misdemeanor cases, costs often range between $2,500 and $7,500. These may include minor charges, where your attorney works quickly to resolve the case.

Felony Cases

Felony cases, especially those affecting licenses or careers, typically start at $10,000 and can go much higher. These cases require extensive legal resources, evidence gathering, and courtroom preparation to build a compelling defense.

High-Stakes and Specialized Cases

When defending licensed professionals or military personnel, specialized defense strategies are key. Complex cases involving professional licenses or potential discharge can range between $15,000 and $50,000 or more, depending on the intricacies involved. These are not cases for general practitioners but for attorneys who understand high-stakes defense.

Payment Plans: Making Quality Defense Accessible

At Kersey Law, we understand that unexpected legal costs can be challenging. High-stakes defense is an investment in your future, and we’re committed to making this investment manageable for our clients. That’s why we offer flexible payment plans to help you access the quality representation you need without added financial stress.

How Our Payment Plans Work

1. Customized Payment Options We work with each client to create a payment plan that aligns with their financial needs and the specifics of their case. This tailored approach ensures that you can focus on your defense, confident in knowing your payment structure is manageable and straightforward.
2. Accessible High-Quality Defense Payment plans make it possible to secure a top-tier defense even if full payment upfront isn’t feasible. With flexible options, you get the full benefit of Kersey Law’s experience and expertise without delay, so you can start building a strong defense immediately.
3. Simple, Transparent Terms Our payment plans are designed with simplicity and transparency in mind. You’ll know exactly what your monthly payments are and when they’re due, with no hidden fees or surprises. This clarity allows you to plan confidently and focus on the path forward.

Why Kersey Law Offers Payment Plans

We believe in accessible, life-changing defense for those who need it most. By offering payment plans, we empower clients to access high-caliber defense at a critical time, knowing they have flexible options to manage costs. At Kersey Law, our priority is to provide the support and dedication you need without compromising quality.

The Value of a Good Criminal Attorney: Why Quality Matters

Long-Term Financial Impact

A skilled attorney can reduce fines, avoid penalties, and even prevent jail time. This isn’t just about your wallet today—it’s about safeguarding your financial stability. A conviction costs far more than legal fees when it comes to potential fines, lost job opportunities, and damaged reputations.

Reputation and Career Protection

For licensed professionals, a charge can mean disciplinary action or license suspension. Kersey Law’s white-glove service protects not only your freedom but also your career. Our tailored approach minimizes public exposure, prioritizing your professional future.

Peace of Mind and Confidence

With Kersey Law, you’re choosing peace of mind. Our two-attorney team provides the confidence of knowing you’re backed by experience and a history of results. You don’t need to worry about the details; we handle everything.

How to Determine If an Attorney’s Fees Reflect Quality Service

Review of Experience and Credentials

Not all attorneys deliver the same value. Look for years of specialized experience and proven results. Kersey Law’s team is nationally recognized and has spent over a decade refining defense strategies for professionals and military members.

Client Testimonials and Success Stories

Seek out testimonials. Over 15,000 subscribers follow us on YouTube, where we share powerful insights and case successes. Real client stories reveal our dedication to results and unwavering commitment to protecting careers.

Communication and Responsiveness

During your initial consultation, gauge the level of communication. We return all calls within 24 hours. You’ll always feel prioritized and informed, knowing exactly where your case stands.

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Criminal Attorney for Your Needs

When the stakes are high, don’t let cost be your only consideration. At Kersey Law, we offer a life-changing difference for clients who understand the value of their future, reputation, and career.

Choosing the right criminal attorney means choosing someone who delivers more than just basic defense. With Kersey Law, you’re investing in a trusted team with over 15 years of experience and over 1,000 clients successfully defended. We’re not a commodity. We’re your shield, your advocate, and your path to a positive outcome.

Ready to take the next step? Our strategy sessions are designed to equip you with a powerful plan tailored to your unique needs. Don’t settle for less when your future is on the line—reach out to us at Kersey Law for a consultation and experience the caliber of defense that sets you apart.