Determining the exact cost of sex crime defense in Minnesota is impossible to answer without understanding the facts and circumstances of each case, the client’s story and goals, and the number of charges involved. The unique nature of each sex crime, accompanied by its specific facts and circumstances, necessitates a tailored defense strategy. Consequently, attorney fees and other associated expenses can vary significantly. Moreover, individual sex crime lawyers establish their own rates and payment arrangements. Some lawyers charge an hourly rate, while others opt for a flat fee structure or categorize the case into phases, charging a flat fee for each phase. These variables collectively contribute to the overall cost of sex crime defense.
Regardless of the fee structure, the severity of the case and its potential collateral consequences requires a decision based on more than cost alone. It is never advisable to choose an attorney solely on price because the experience, ability, and personal attributes of each attorney matter. In the conventional wisdom of many a judge, there is indeed a wide range of professional competence.
Hourly Rates:
Hourly rates are more prevalent in civil cases compared to criminal cases due to the unique nature of criminal defense representation. Unlike civil cases, criminal defense attorneys cannot simply abandon a case after accepting it without the judge’s approval. Hourly rates are particularly suitable for complex and protracted criminal cases.
Flat Fees:
A common fee structure utilized by defense attorneys is the flat fee arrangement. Under this structure, attorneys charge a predetermined fixed rate for handling a specific type of case. Each offense may have a distinct flat fee assigned to it, resulting in varying rates for different offenses. For instance, the flat fee for handling a first-degree criminal sexual conduct case might be higher than that for a fifth-degree offense.