Fees

At The Defence Group, we recognize that facing a criminal charge is not something that anyone expects or plans for. In most areas of life, we have insurance policies to help us cope with emergencies and unexpected catastrophes like a health crisis, a car accident, or a flood in your home. There is no insurance against being charged with a crime.

That is why your first consultation with us is free of charge. We will explain the criminal process to you and discuss your case, so that you are fully informed about what to expect, how long the case will likely take, and what it will likely cost you. Then you are free to shop around and consider your options, free of financial pressure or time constraints, before deciding whether to hire us to defend you.

When you hire a lawyer, you are hiring his or her knowledge and skills at legal analysis, preparation, negotiation, and advocacy both inside and outside the courtroom. You are looking for someone with good judgment and years of experience. As with any occupation, the more skilled and experienced professionals cost more. And for the most part, you get what you pay for.

There are less expensive lawyers out there; you can find them hanging around any courthouse. At The Defence Group, we are not cheap, but we will give you the best results with the best client service. And we will do so at in the most timely and cost-effective way.

This is how our fees work

When you meet with us, we will quote you a fee estimate based on the particulars of your case, including its complexity and the work that will be required.

In simpler cases, we will charge you a block fee, which is a fixed fee, including taxes and all other related expenses. That way you know exactly what the case will cost.

In more complex criminal defence cases, when we cannot predict in advance exactly how much work will be required, we will charge an hourly fee. That way you only pay for the work that we do.

At The Defence Group, we will

• Offer you a flexible payment plan, with installments that reflect your case and your financial position;
• Accept cheques, cash, and bank drafts;
• Always give you an accurate cost estimate up front, in writing;
• Provide a receipt for the money you have entrusted to us;
• Provide regular invoices which keep you up-to-date on the work we are doing on your behalf.

At the Defence Group, we will not

• Lure you in with a small retainer and then hit you up for more money every time your case goes to court;
• Charge you “administrative” or other hidden fees;
• Make last-minute “cash calls” where we refuse to appear in court for you unless you bring cash;
• Ask you to pay in cash, without a receipt.

We hear horror stories all the time about how clients have been treated elsewhere, and it makes us more determined than ever to be scrupulously honest with your money.

Time and again, clients tell us that the cost of hiring us was the best money they have ever spent on a criminal defence lawyer.