Shoplifting Defense Attorney Cost

• Having an attorney handle a guilty plea and diversion program application for shoplifting charges runs about $1,000-$3,000, depending on location and how much negotiation is required.
• Attorney fees for going to trial can be $5,000-$10,000 or more, depending on the nature of the charges and the complexity of the case. Exact costs will vary based on location and the lawyer's experience and reputation. Some attorneys accept monthly payments for a shoplifting case.
• To hire an attorney, you must pay an up-front fee called a retainer, which is based either on an estimated number of hours or a flat fee. A lawyer working on an hourly basis deducts the hourly rate (usually $100-$300/hour or more) from the retainer as the work is done. When the retainer is gone, you will be billed for additional money. A flat fee will cover a specific range of services, and often there's an additional fee if the case goes to trial.
• If you want to be represented by an attorney (particularly if you're facing felony theft charges because of the value of the merchandise) but you can't afford one, you must ask the court to appoint a lawyer at government expense. You will need to provide the court with details about your finances. Nolo Press discusses how to get the court to appoint a lawyer

• Shoplifting is governed by state laws, so the charges and penalties will vary based on location. In most states, shoplifting items worth less than $200-$500 is a petty theft misdemeanor charge, while taking goods of greater value may bring a grand theft or larceny felony charge. OnlineLawyerSource.com provides an overview of shoplifting[1] .
• Some states have diversion programs in which first-time misdemeanor offenders can do community service in exchange for having the charges dropped with no fines, no jail time and no record, while other states may impose some or all of these penalties. The nature of the charges brought against you (misdemeanor or felony) and the standard shoplifting penalties in your state will have a great deal to do with whether you'll need an attorney to help you navigate the legal system.
• Anything you tell your attorney is confidential, but your attorney cannot lie to the court for you or knowingly offer a false defense.
• FindLaw.com explains what a criminal defense lawyer does[2] .

• If hiring an attorney on a flat fee basis, be sure you understand what is and is not included, and if there will be additional costs if your case goes to trial. Attorneys working on an hourly basis charge for any time spent answering your questions on the phone or by e-mail, as well as case-related expenses such as interviews, research or photocopies.
• Court fees or fines vary widely depending on the charges and location, and are in addition to your attorney's fees.
• Many stores will follow a civil claim demanding that you pay restitution both for the merchandise and their costs of investigation and legal fees. This runs about $50-$200 or more, depending on what's allowed under state law.

• When you first meet with an attorney, know the exact charges against you, your court date, your bail amount and any other pertinent facts. Ask about the attorney's education, experience and area of specialty. The State Bar of Georgia provides a pamphlet on how to choose a lawyer.
• The American Bar Association links to lawyer referral services by state[3] . Referrals are also available through the Martindale-Hubbell Legal Network's Lawyer Locator[4] .
• Your attorney will provide you with a written fee agreement. Read it before signing and keep a copy for your records. Be sure you understand what is covered, and any other fees and expenses you might have to pay.

1.  www.onlinelawyersource.com/shoplifting/
2.  criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-legal-help/what-you-can-expect-from-the-best-crimina...
3.  apps.americanbar.org/legalservices/lris/directory/
4.  www.martindale.com/Find-Lawyers-and-Law-Firms.aspx

Check Out All Costs for Personal Finance		How Much Does Closing a Home Cost?		How Much Does a Traffic Ticket Attorney Cost?		How Much Do Funeral Flowers Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

A space heater can keep you warm on chilly December nights. Who is planning your big holiday event? A catering company may be able to help. It's a good idea to have the furnace checked in the fall, before you need it. Planning holiday travel with a pet? We cover the cost of pet travel. Be ready if the worst weather hits -- a portable generator means fewer power outages.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Why calligraphy costs so much... Paid: 500.00 As a veteran calligrapher, my rates fall in this range. The rates may seem outside the budget but the skills and time required take many years to learn, not something that can be learned over a weekend or a YouTube video... [more] -Cora Taylor, Calligraphy Studio Calligraphy Cost Shingles Vaccination Paid: 25.00 Got my vaccination at Walgreens. Have WellCare Health Insurance. Am 76 years old. My copay is $25.00... [more] - Shingles Vaccine Cost Colposcopy with biopsy Paid: 500.00 No clue that United Health would view this as surgery. Thought it was preventative. Total bill was 1500. Had to pay deductible. This was essentially a very expensive pap... [more] -AvaMonica Colposcopy Cost Service and warranty are worth the price Paid: 848.00 I am extremely nearsighted (-11.25) and hard to fit for progressive multi-focal lenses because frame size and shape are limited; I need a frame that can handle thick lenses... [more] -Julie C Eyeglasses Cost Spark plugs and ignition coils replaced 8 cylinder Paid: 200.00 P0300 code cylinder #2, ordered ignition coils online and purchased spark plugs at O’Reilly‘s. Took about an hour and a half to replace all eight... [more] -Busted knuckle Ignition Coil Replacement Cost Apadravya Paid: 95.00 $95 + tipFreehand piercing... [more] -E M Body Piercings Cost