Most attorneys provide free initial consultations. Some defense attorneys may have more "flexible" billing arrangements that would allow them to accept different types of payments. In some situation, people are able to barter personal property (jewelry, watches, etc.), real property (interest in plots of land), or job skills (especially builders or other skilled tradesmen) for legal services. However, these policies vary significantly depending on the lawyer. Generally, bigger firms only accept cash or credit. However, it is certainly worth a free phone call to see what you could potentially work out.

Answer Applies to: Michigan
Replied: 11/1/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Almost no criminal defense attorney accept "payment plans" for the simple reasons that criminal cases move very quickly and one can exert control over the pace of the proceedings. Like anyone business criminal lawyers have to make a living and the retainers they receive are their working capital. The methods clients take are to borrow from friends and family, use credit cards or services like LawPay and others that arrange financing for clients. In addition most lawyers do not have the bookkeeping capabilities of some businesses and thus cannot invoice. They are service based businesses that more or less have to paid when the services are contracted. Exceptions are jury trial fees which are often not due until the matter is set for trial or the decision made to proceed to trial.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 10/11/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Typically, criminal defense attorneys will work with their client when it comes to payment options. We understand it is tough to pay all of your legal fees at once. However, some attorneys require at at least half up front as a down payment. Ask your attorney whether she accepts payment plans during your first consultation.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 10/7/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Every attorney is different in how much they charge, how much they take up front, and their methods of payment. Some take credit cards, some don't. Remember that if you can't afford an attorney you can get the Public Defender free of charge. Also, if you make just a little too much for the PD, there are often near-indigent panels that have lawyers who will work for a reduced rate.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 10/7/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

In this economy, yes. Usually you have to put something down to get the case started.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 10/6/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Each attorney runs their business in their own unique way, so I would just call around to local criminal defense attorneys in your area to find one that you feel comfortable with and can also meets your financial needs.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 10/6/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Criminal attorneys traditionally get the money up front, at least to a particular point in the case. For example, if nothing is filed yet, there is a lot more flexibility to pay a retainer that corresponds to hours anticipated. Or if the case is in court, I charge one price thru pretrials and then if the case goes to trial, then I charge additional fees, agreed upon in advance, but payable before the trial starts. Remember most cases do not go to trial so the full payment all the way thru trial is often never earned. Some attorneys take payment plans, but in a criminal case, once the attorney has gone on record stating "I am his attorney", then we are not simply allowed to quit without a hearing in the court regarding non-cooperation by clients, etc. If an attorney made that statement after$200 is received on a case requiring $5000 worth of work,that attorney may be working for free. If a client's case does not work out to be an acquittal or even if it does, paying the attorney is NOT usually a priority AFTER the work has been done and other bills are piling up. That is why it is traditional for criminal attorneys to get their retainner "up front". Many attorneys are paid for by the client's family, especially if the clientis young. Many attorneys take credit cards, so that payments can be made on a monthly basis to the credit card company. I take credit cards. I also take payments to the extent I am able. This means if a case is new, I will ask the court NOT to put me on as attorney of record for a few weeks in order to get a payment history going. Often, if I request a fee, I will split it in two and ask for 1/2 up front, and the other half over a 2 month period of time, then ask the couurt to postpone the case until at least 2 of the payments have been received, assuming a realistic ability to pay. If you cannot afford an attorney at all, that is why all counties have a Public Defender program.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 10/6/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Some attorneys will take payment plans, witb a substantial portion of the fee up front. some will also take credit cards. Some attorneys will portion the fee with the status of the case. If it is a feony, so much before the 1st appearance and then another payment by the preliminry hearing, etc.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 10/6/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Usually not. Sometimes I will take payments however if there is a good likelihood of payment. Also we take credit card payments.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 10/6/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Criminal defense clients have the reputation of not always paying after the work is done for them. As to whether an attorney will accept payment plans that is up to the attorney. Some do most dont. Some accept credit cards. The best thing to do is find an alternate source for the loan and pay the attorney what is required.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 10/6/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

This one does and I further accept all forms of payment ...cash, check, credit, debit, etc. While working within a budget is important it should not be the main reason why you hire a particular criminal defense attorney. Rather, if you can find an criminal defense attorney that you connect with and you feel can help you with your case, you can almost always work out an acceptable payment arrangement. I hope this answer was helpful. Good luck.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 10/6/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Depends on the attorney. I do, personally. But I know some who don't. Look at some attorneys you would like to consult, and discuss that during the consultation. Depending on what the charges are, you might be surprised to learn you perhaps can pay in full.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 10/6/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.