Legal Question in Criminal Law in New Jersey

lawyer was deceptive about case cost

hired a private attorney instead of

going with pd, who was assigned for

our son. attrny stated that the$3000

retainer should cover thru to trial.

3rd degree charges, first offense , a

heartbreak for us, stayed in county

corr for 10 days and sent himstraight

to the best rehab in CA. Court date in

10 days, don't know if discovery has

been completed or if court will be

extended. We wish to dismiss this

attorney, as he just sent us a bill for

1500 over the retainer fee, without

warning us, as we had asked, that

we were approaching the end of

retainer. We were both of the

understanding that it would take

3000 or less to see this thru. With

our son in rehab, court date coming

up soon...etc...can we dismiss this

attrny right now. we cannot pay him

any more. He was deceptive and did

not do as we asked in keeping us

aware of $ used.this was not in

writing. but we were both of the

same understanding after our initial

conference with him. were told our

son has to reapply and interview in

person all over again to be reassigned

a public defender. He is a continent

away. is there any way to reopen the

file they closed and be reassigned the

attorney he was assigned originally?


Asked on 6/08/09, 8:13 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Kenneth Vercammen,Esq. Kenneth Vercammen

Re: lawyer was deceptive about case cost

The Courts Rules of Professional Conduct do not specifically permit us to discuss fees over the phone. We have found that most people desire an experienced, competent attorney, not the cheapest, least expensive attorney. Attorneys fees usually cannot be estimated until we are provided with facts and documents in writing.

Litigation Matters

For Litigation Matters not involving personal matters Personal Injury, experienced attorneys charge between 200 -$375 per hour for their service and advice. Wall Street Attorneys in New York will charge even $400 per hour.

Criminal, DWI, Traffic

These are usually handled on a Flat Fee basis, not hourly.

Wills, Power of Attorney Document Preparation

Documents are usually prepared on a Flat Fee basis. If attorney charges are requested after the document is prepared, there will be a change in charges.

Probate / Administration of Estate

Probate matters are handled on an hourly basis. For Litigation Matters not involving personal matters Personal Injury, experienced attorneys charge between 200 -$375 per hour for their service and advice.

To read entire article, go to http://www.njlaws.com/attorney_fees.htm

Read more
Answered on 6/10/09, 4:44 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in New Jersey