Attorneys Fees and Other Costs
What Will This Cost?
Unfortunately, this is not a question that can be answered without an in-depth consultation. It depends in large part on the following factors:
- State or Federal charges
- Felony or Misdemeanor charges, and degree
- Single or multiple charges
- Prior criminal history
- Witness statements, video, other evidence
- Case complexity
We understand that legal fees are not something that a family budgets for, and they arise unexpectedly. Especially in these difficult financial times, we will work within your budget to ensure that you get the absolute best defense lawyer possible, even if ultimately it is not our office.
What Are You Paying For?
Primarily you should be paying for the experience, expertise, and reputation of a fine attorney. A small portion of your fee goes toward the fixed cost of keeping the physical office running, such as rent and electricity.
As you interview your potential lawyers, take a good look at the offices and surroundings. Is the office in a high-rent district downtown, with a great view of the Bay? Are the offices lavishly decorated, with marble floors and glass walls? Do they advertise heavily on radio and television? If so, then be aware of these business costs when they quote you a fee.
Our offices are in a comfortable building, well outside of downtown. Parking is plentiful and close to our front door. We have worked very hard to build a clean, professional space and professional reputation that reflects our business philosophy: substance over style. Our clients find our new offices welcoming and reassuring in this time of great stress. We strive for comfort and accessibility, not silk-stockings and dusty law books.
You simply cannot compare attorneys and their respective fees without considering their years of experience, level of expertise and reputation in the community. Ms. Palmieri is an Expert in the field of Criminal Trial Law and has been so recognized since 2000 when she initially became Board Certified by The Florida Bar. In her 20th year of practice, her career is dedicated to criminal justice.
What about complex cases? Can you handle those?
Our office maintains professional relationships with highly-regarded local private investigators, forensic accountants, doctors, accident investigators, engineering firms, computer experts, and attorneys in many other areas of law (such as Immigration Law and Family Law). We are able to call upon their services as necessary to aid in your defense. The benefit to this arrangement is that we do not have to keep a number of professionals on staff, and thus are able to keep our overhead and your fees lower.
During your initial consultation, Ms. Palmieri will advise you if we may need to hire a professional consultant in any of the above-mentioned areas.
A caution about low fees
Yes, there are brochures and websites that quote “affordable” fees up front. We have to ask: How can they quote you a fee before listening to the facts of your case? Unless, of course, they plan on treating your case just like everyone else's. Your case is as unique as you are and cannot simply be categorized with the masses. Ms. Palmieri takes time to understand the individual needs of your case before quoting a fee, which typically is broken down into phases. One fee is quoted for a resolution of the case prior to trial, plus an additional trial fee range, plus costs, should a trial be requested. Most cases resolve short of trial.
Unfortunately, the business of running a law office dictates that an experienced attorney is not going to be your cheapest choice. If you go with a low-dollar lawyer, be prepared for low-dollar service and/or low-dollar results. Simply put - YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.
At this difficult time, you deserve the best legal defense available. Call now at 813-254-0254 and find out just how affordable having an EXPERT and top-rated attorney can be.
