Well, it depends. A Melbourne criminal law solicitor will know the Victorian law inside out and will be able to navigate the court system expertly.
They will also be able to advise you on whether (based on their assessment of the evidence) to plead guilty or not guilty to an allegation.
They will be able to advise you on the ramifications of that decision. In short, they will give you the best chance of winning your case.
In this article, we will cover some general factors that can affect the cost of hiring a criminal law solicitor in Melbourne.
Table of Contents
Why Hire a Criminal Law Solicitor?
When you are facing criminal charges, the stakes are high. You could be looking at a prison sentence, a fine, or both. In other circumstances, you may be hoping to avoid having your driver’s license suspended or disqualified.
There are several factors to consider before hiring a criminal lawyer. This is not the time to try to represent yourself. You need the best possible legal representation to ensure that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of success in court.
More often, criminal law solicitors and barristers will charge a fixed fee or lump sum for representation at court, although some may bill an hourly rate.
Lawyers are required by law to provide a prospective client with a cost agreement. This document sets out the basis of costs to be charged for work undertaken on behalf of a client.
It is always important to seek clarification from a criminal law solicitor you intend to retain as to the scope of the work provided for in the cost agreement and the costs charged for that work.
The cost of engaging a lawyer for representation will vary in every case depending upon the seniority of the lawyer, the court in which the allegations will be heard, and the complexity of the case.
An accused is invariably at a disadvantage if self-representing at Court and so when a person has the resources to retain a lawyer they should
Do I Need Legal Advice?
If you have been charged with a criminal offence, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. The role of a criminal law solicitor is to provide you with advice and representation throughout the court process.
Legal aid may be available to help with the costs of legal representation. You can contact Legal Aid Victoria on 1300 792 387 or visit their website https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/ to find out if you are eligible for legal aid.
The Complexity of Your Case
Another factor that can affect the cost is the type of case that you have. If you have a more complex case, it will likely cost more to hire a solicitor than if you have a simpler case.
Additionally, the amount of time that your case will take can also affect the cost. If your case is expected to go to trial, it will likely cost more than if it is expected to be resolved through plea bargaining.
Experience Can Influence the Cost
Experience can influence the cost of finding the right criminal lawyer. More experienced solicitors in Victoria will generally charge more than less experienced solicitors.
However, you should not make your decision solely based on price. It is important to find a solicitor who you feel confident will be able to provide you with the best possible representation.
Final Thoughts
There are a number of factors that will affect the cost of hiring a criminal solicitor in Melbourne, including the complexity of your case and the experience of your chosen solicitor.
Contact our office if you need legal advice and representation. Shaun Pascoe, the Director of Pascoe Criminal Law is an experienced criminal defence lawyer and is an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law. Our office only provides representation for all manner of criminal allegations (traffic offences in the Magistrates' Court through to serious indictable charges in the County Court/Supreme Court). We offer an initial free case assessment so that you receive the benefit of advice and then decide upon your course of action.
To obtain the best outcomes for your situation, contact our office by phone on (03) 9668 7600 or book an appointment through our website.
