Legal Question in Constitutional Law in California

Excessive Quoted Legal Fees? Seems Like It

In searching for criminal defense counsel in Los Angeles to represent an illegal search and seizure arrest that is complex involving many areas - 4th Amendment; protect sweeps; plain view doctrine; motion to suppress evidence; search warrant, etc. - yet straightforward at the same time; I received quotes approximating $10,000 covering arraignment thru preliminary hearing + filing a motion to suppress evidence seized via search warrant. In talking to one out-of-state firm possessing nationally recognized expertise in 4th Amendment cases/suppression cases, I was quoted a fee of $50,000 which struck me as completely out of line? would appreciate any feedback....thanks.


Asked on 2/05/06, 7:55 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

Re: Excessive Quoted Legal Fees? Seems Like It

Perhaps the out-of-state quotes were through trial. Compare item-by-item, and see if it also includes cost of experts, record retrieval, etc. You might post for the criminal panel of LawGuru to obtain more knowledgeable input.

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Answered on 2/05/06, 12:19 pm
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: Excessive Quoted Legal Fees? Seems Like It

I agree with Mr. Cohen that the $50,000 quote may have included more services than the others. But you should also know that law firms, like most businesses, are free to propose high fees if they want. Prospective clients who don't want to pay so much are free to negotiate for a lower rate or to go elsewhere.

If the firm has a particularly strong group of attorneys the higher rate it proposed may be reasonable even if it is more than you can afford. Also, if the firm is located far from you it may need to spend more to defend you than would a local firm; the proposed fee may be higher in order to offset these costs.

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Answered on 2/06/06, 5:32 pm


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