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Average Cost of Criminal Defense Lawyer In San Antonio, Texas

Last updated on March 4, 2025

You have been charged with crime. You need a good defense attorney and you need one fast. So, you call around, and try to talk to some lawyers and get a feeling for what the cost is going to be. You quickly figure out one thing. It is immensely difficult to figure out if you are getting a fair price for your criminal defense lawyer in San Antonio, Texas. So, we are here to save you some time and frustration, and give you some real information on this topic.

What Should A Criminal Defense Attorney Charge For Your Defense

We are going to explain to you some of the things that affect the cost of your criminal defense lawyer, and we will talk real numbers. For purposes of this case, let us consider strictly misdemeanor charges in Bexar County, Texas. If you are charged with a crime, several factors will play a part in determining what the appropriate cost for your case should be.

Factors That Affect The Cost Of A Criminal Defense Lawyer:

  • What is your goal for the case? (Do you want a trial or the best possible plea deal?)
  • What is your criminal history? (The more crimes on your record, the harder your case is bound to be)
  • What are you charged with? (Some crimes are more simple to defend than others)
  • What court have you been assigned to? (The Court staff and prosecutors can impact your case)
  • What is the story of your case? (The facts of your case will dictate how difficult the legal defense is)

Criminal defense cases are not charged by the hour like civil cases. Rather, you pay a flat rate for the legal services.

Beyond the basic case factors, several additional elements impact your total budget:

  • Investigation and expert witnesses: The complexity of your case may call for an extensive investigation that requires hiring private investigators, expert witnesses or forensic analysts, adding to the total cost. A thorough investigation can uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, but it requires additional time and resources, which can increase legal fees.
  • Flat fees vs. hourly rates: Flat fees mean you pay a set amount for your defense, while hourly rates, especially for complex cases, require extensive trial preparation. Flat fees provide certainty in costs, while hourly rates may result in higher fees, depending on the time spent on the case.
  • Payment plans: Instead of paying the full amount upfront, you may be able to break the total cost into monthly payments. Payment plans allow access to legal representation without immediate financial strain but may require an initial retainer fee.
  • Retainer fees: For more serious cases, attorneys often require a retainer fee before taking on a case. A retainer is an upfront payment that secures legal representation. The amount depends on the severity of the charge and the estimated work involved.

Take advantage of our payment plans.

Fines For Criminal Charges

Beyond criminal defense lawyer fees, understanding potential fines can help you prepare financially for your case. Misdemeanor charges can carry fines ranging from $500 to $4,000, depending on the offense. A Class C misdemeanor, such as public intoxication, may result in fines of up to $500, while a Class A misdemeanor, such as assault, can lead to fines of up to $4,000 and potential jail time.

Felony charges result in much higher fines, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 or more. First-degree felonies can carry penalties of up to $10,000 in addition to lengthy prison sentences. The financial impact of a felony conviction extends beyond legal fees, as court costs, probation fees and other expenses may apply.

DWI charges come with significant fines and additional costs. A first-time DWI offense in Texas can result in fines of up to $2,000, while a second offense can carry fines of up to $4,000. Additional costs include license reinstatement fees, court-imposed surcharges and mandatory alcohol education programs.

With a lot at stake, you are better off consulting our attorneys to explore the best strategies for defense and minimize the overall financial repercussions of a criminal conviction.

Here Is A List Of The Average Cost Of A Criminal Defense Lawyer You Can Expect To Pay In San Antonio, Texas

Charged with possession of marijuana less than one gram in Bexar County: You have no criminal history and no substantive defense to the crime (you were caught red handed). You will pay, on average, between $1,000 and $4,000 to your criminal defense lawyer in San Antonio.

Charged with theft by check, Class B in Bexar County: You have a long criminal history and many bounced checks. You will pay between $2,000 and $6,000 for your defense as it is likely to require trial, motions and many court appearances.

Charged with DWI, first offense in San Antonio: You have never been in trouble before. You require a trial to fight the charge. The average cost of a criminal defense lawyer in San Antonio is between $4,000 and $10,000.

Charged with assault family violence, Class A in San Antonio. You have a bit of criminal history. The victim does not wish to press charges. You are likely to pay between $2,000 and $6,000 for the offense, as the attorney will likely have to prepare for a jury trial.

Charged with theft, Class B, in Bexar County: If you have no criminal history, and no substantive defense, you are likely to pay between $1,000 and $5,000.

THESE PRICES ARE AVERAGES THAT WE HAVE COME UP WITH BY ASSESSING OUR OWN COSTS, AND BY TALKING TO CLIENTS AND OTHER SAN ANTONIO ATTORNEYS REGARDING FEES. COSTS VARY DEPENDING ON THE INDIVIDUAL FIRM AND THE DEFENDANT.

Do Attorneys Take Payment Plans?

The attorneys in the criminal defense section of The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC do accept payment plans. Call us, and we will see what we can work out. 210-740-0281.