Another vital factor to consider when consulting with a Tampa federal criminal defense lawyer is cost, as well as how payment is determined. You should be completely aware of how much your lawyer will charge for their services, what the payment plan is, and whether there is an upfront fee or only payment if your case is won. Some attorneys will charge a flat fee, while others may charge by the hour for their services. You must hire an attorney who is completely transparent about their fees and payment plans with you before being hired. When interviewing an attorney, ensure that they are being upfront about any potential costs, as well as how their legal fees are structured. Will there be witness costs, investigation costs, or any other costs along the way?
If your attorney charges a flat fee, then you should ask about everything that that fee includes, and whether the fee needs to be paid upfront, after your case is successful, or if there is an installed payment ability. If your attorney charges an hourly fee, then you must ask if there will be a need to pay a retainer. You can ask to be provided with an estimate of what their fees would be, as well as any additional expenses, regarding your case. You can also shop around with different lawyers to compare estimates before choosing to hire a specific attorney.