One of the first questions we hear at the O'Malley Law Office is: “How much does a lawyer cost?” The problem with this question is that it's not the right one to ask. When cost is the main concern, it illustrates that people don't have the right perspective. Criminal charges are serious, no matter what you've been charged with in Jefferson, Adams, and Douglas County (view a list of courts sorted by county). Even a misdemeanor conviction will have long-term financial costs that people don't understand. The real question people should ask is: How much can hiring a quality lawyer save me?

How much can hiring a quality lawyer save me?

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The True Cost of Criminal Convictions

When a person pleads guilty, is charged, or convicted of a crime in Arapahoe, Denver, and El Paso County, the costs keep piling up. Here is a chart (click here to view the original PDF from the court) which illustrates the hidden costs of a criminal charge and conviction (all costs based on misdemeanor offenses).

Long-Term Costs:

2 Years 4 Years 6 Years 8 Years 10 Years Probation Supervision $1200.00 $2400.00 $3600.00 $4800.00 $6000.00 Lost Salary (while in jail or prison, assuming a salary of $36,000 per year) $72,000 $144,000 $216,000 $288,000 $360,000

One-Time Fees and Surcharges (for a Misdemeanor Conviction):

Restitution (varies, but includes property damage, counseling, etc.) $400 Victim's Compensation $78 Useful Public Service Fee Up to $120 Victim Address Confidentially Surcharge $28 Victim's Assistance Surcharge $78 Family Friendly Court Surcharge $1 Public Defender Fee $25 Genetic Testing Surcharge $2.50 Child Abuse Investigation Surcharge $150 Docket Fees (upon conviction / deferred judgment / sentence) $26 Sex Offender Surcharge (class 2 misdemeanor) $300 Drug Offender Surcharge (class 2 misdemeanor) $600 Rural Alcohol and Substance Abuse Surcharge $1 – $10 Traumatic Brain Injury Surcharge (drug / alcohol offenses) $20 SCRAM or GPS Monitoring Ankle Device $14 per day Alcohol / Drug Related Traffic Offenses ———————— Law Enforcement Assistance Fund (LEAF) $90 Alcohol / Drug Evaluation Cost $200 Persistent Drunk Driver Surcharge $100-$500 Traumatic Brain Injury Fund  $15-20

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost? Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Save You Money

There are countless court costs, fees, and surcharges in Colorado courts. Criminal cases have unlimited taxes and fees, since there is no taxpayer scrutiny in approving these costs. It can be overwhelming to face these fees as a criminal defendant. But, this is just the tip of the iceberg. As you can see, the long-term cost of probation and spending time in jail is enormous. Let's say you plead guilty to get probation instead of jail time; you'll be stuck paying $50 a month for years. Hiring a lawyer to defend you in the courtroom has many benefits. If your case gets dismissed, or you get an acquittal or not guilty verdict When you work with a passionate criminal defense lawyer, they will work hard to get your case dismissed. This is priceless.at trial, you will pay less court fees. Also, you won't have a criminal record, which is crucial if you ever want to apply for a job or rent a house. If you have been charged with a crime, don't hesitate to contact one of the best criminal defense lawyers. We have over 30 years of combined experience, and we have a passion for protecting the rights of our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss the details of your case. Then, we can discuss our fees and weigh them against what you'll spend without a lawyer. Most of all, don't try to stand alone in court – working with an outstanding criminal defense attorney who will fight to get your case dismissed: This is priceless.

A passionate attorney working on your case? Priceless.

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If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime in the Denver metro area, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O'Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 303-830-0880. If you or a friend needs a jail visit from an attorney, we can do that. Together, we will protect your future.Request a Free Consultation

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