Is this a reasonable lawyer rate for such an easy case?

T

Tommy

New member
I have been charged with my 3rd underage drinking offense. I wanted a lawyer present to be able to talk to the prosecuter for me, and talk in the court for me. Basically, to make me more comfortable and professional.

I am pleading no contest.I have spent one hour talking to him. We will probably spend (at the most) 2 hours in court. So that's 3 hours of work. Let's say there is another 2 hours of paperwork as well. So, he will have spent 5 hours working with me.

He wants $800. Is this reasonable? This would mean he is making $125/hour.... is this a reasonable rate? Am I missing something here?

I understand if it was a more complicated case, but this isn't even going to a trial... So, is this a little over-the-top for an solid lawyer?
 
A lot of that depends on your location.

Where I live (Arkansas), $125/hour is fairly standard as an hourly rate charged by most experienced attorneys.

Whether or not it's reasonable depends on the standards in your community. I'd call around to a few other places, see what they charge, and make your decision then. If that rate seems to be the local standard, then it is what it is.
 
Legal fees vary between lawyers. it is not like going to a car lot where the suggested price is on the window.

Legal fees do not mean the more money the better the lawyer.

Shop around.

Some lawyers will give a special rate if they see the case will be easy.

Some lawyers have a professional realtionship with the judge, that makes the judges' ruling easier and less harsh if they did not have a working relationship.
 
Even though this seems to be high priced this is actually a very fair and common rate for a criminal attorney. But check out a few more and see if you can get a flat base rate for representation.
 
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