Fees

Criminal lawyer costs vary from case to case.

They will depend on a number of factors including:

1. Which court your matter is heard in (Magistrates’ Court matters are usually less expensive than matters in the Country and Supreme Courts);
2. Whether you intend to plead guilty or not guilty to the charge(s) (a guilty plea is usually cheaper as it involves less court appearances);
3. Disbursements, such as reports and barrister fees (if applicable);
4. Whether we need to subpoena witnesses or documents etc.
5. The complexity of you matter; and
6. Whether we need to subpoena witnesses or documents etc.

We have structured our firm so that we can keep our fees as low as possible. We don’t charge for things you don’t need and we won’t charge hundreds of dollars for things that will take us 10 minutes.

Because each matter is different it is very difficult for us to give a generic fee estimate. If you’re worried about costs, call us. We are flexible and honest with our fees, and are always willing to work with our clients to ensure that they do not have to go to court unrepresented.

PLEA OF GUILTY 

If you intend to plead guilty to a charge(s) in the Magistrates’ Court your fees will usually fall at the lower end of the range. This is because there are less court appearances and, usually, less complex legal arguments involved. You can help us reduce costs by calling us as soon as possible, so that we have ample time to conference and prepare prior to your court date.

PLEA OF NOT GUILTY 

If you intend to plead NOT guilty you will need to attend a number of different court dates. Ordinarily you will need to attend, at least, one mention hearing, one contest mention hearing, and the contested hearing (the contested hearing is the day on which evidence and witnesses are called by prosecution and defence, sometimes referred to as the trial).

Total fees can range significantly, depending on the complexity of your matter. A detailed estimate specific to your matter can be given once we’ve spoken to you.

If your matter resolves before contest, you will only pay for fees incurred up to that point.

If your matter runs all the way to a contested hearing and you are successful, we can make an application to the court seeking an order that the police reimburse you for your legal costs.

If your matter is to be heard in the County Court, Supreme Court, or Court of Appeal it is best that you speak to us directly about a costs estimate. These proceedings are usually more expensive than those in Magistrates’ Court, but there are many variables. Call us, we’ll explain.