Criminal defence: how to choose a lawyer and a fair fee
Why time matters in this kind of case
When you are called in for questioning, told you are a suspect or detained, there is no time for a long search. Yet the choice of defence lawyer usually shapes the whole case. Through BlaBlaPrice you don't need to phone law firms: you describe the situation, and criminal defence lawyers reply with offers in the chat. It is free for you.
Write without unnecessary details that could do harm: the nature of the case, your status and the stage are enough. Before lawyers see the request it is checked, and contacts are not left in the text.
What to include in your request
- The offence or its nature — for example, a road accident, theft, fraud, drugs.
- Your status in the case — suspect, accused, witness, victim.
- Stage — before any complaint is registered, investigation, trial, appeal.
- What you need — defence in the whole case, or one step: questioning, a search, a bail hearing, an application.
- Bail or custody — arrested, in custody, on bail, or still being decided.
- City and court — where the investigating officer works or the case is heard.
- Deadlines — the time of questioning, the date of the hearing.
- Advocate's experience — whether you need practice in exactly this kind of case.
- Budget — for the whole case or per stage.
Example of a good request
“Sydney. I have been called for questioning tomorrow at 10:00 as a suspect in a road accident case. I need a lawyer for the questioning and, probably, for the whole investigation. Experience in accident cases preferred. Budget up to $860 for the case.”
How to compare lawyers
Prices differ here because the scope differs. One lawyer charges for each step, another for a stage or for the whole case. To make the comparison fair, find out:
- what exactly the sum covers: going to the police station, appearing in court, drafting applications and petitions;
- whether expert opinions and other costs are paid separately;
- how the fee is built: fixed, hourly or by stage;
- whether a written agreement is signed and whether the lawyer is enrolled with the Bar Council.
The platform shows first the offer that is best by content, along with reviews of the provider. Advocates see their place among the others, so they may offer better terms. Contacts are seen only by the one you choose.
What it is better not to do
Don't give explanations to the police before meeting your defence lawyer, if you can avoid it. Don't sign documents you don't understand. And beware of anyone who guarantees an acquittal or “settling the matter”: an honest lawyer works on the defence position and does not promise a result.
Some cases also have a civil side, and then court representation will be useful. The whole process is described on the “How it works” page, and other areas are in the section “Legal help”.
Questions and answers
Can I call a lawyer urgently for questioning?
Yes, give the date and time of the questioning and the city in your request. Advocates who can get there in time will reply with a price and terms.
What does the cost of defence depend on?
On the complexity of the case, its stage, the number of hearings and visits, and the lawyer’s experience. So describe the request as precisely as you can, and ask in the replies what the sum covers.
Can I hire a lawyer for one step only, such as a hearing?
Yes, say in your request that you need just one step. Advocates will quote for exactly that scope.
What should I say about myself if the case is sensitive?
The nature of the case, your status and the stage are enough. Discuss the details later in the chat with the lawyer you choose.
