Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Bethlehem to protect your rights!

An experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in Bethlehem can help you navigate the criminal law system. If you or someone close to you are charged with a crime in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania it’s important to know how the criminal courts work.

At Kitay Law Offices we have defended clients facing criminal charges in Bethlehem for over 25 years. We know what evidence will be used against you, and we can help craft an effective defense. You may contact Kitay Law Offices anytime for more information about criminal law in Bethlehem.

What does a criminal defense attorney do in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania?

Criminal defense lawyers in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania perform many functions in the context of each case. They represent clients who have been accused of crimes such as murder, robbery, burglary, drug possession, domestic violence, and DUI. Each case requires many steps:

1. Investigate – Investigation may include contacting witnesses, examining evidence, and more.
2. Advise – Your Bethlehem criminal defense lawyer will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your case. In addition, he or she will advise you of the potential outcomes and risks involved with taking your case to a trial. Finally, your attorney will recommend the course of action that is in your best interests.
3. Defend – Building a strong defense requires knowledge of the law, procedures, and even the parties involved. Those parties may include the judge, investigating officer, and District Attorney.
4. Resolve – In many cases, your lawyer will help negotiate a resolution in the form of a plea deal. If so, you will plead guilty to a lesser offense to avoid possible conviction on a more serious charge.
5. Conduct trial – If your case cannot be resolved, your criminal defense lawyer in Bethlehem will take your case to trial and defend your rights before a judge and jury.

How much does a top criminal defense lawyer cost?

The cost to hire a criminal defense lawyer in Bethlehem will vary depending on your legal needs and the lawyer you choose. Typically, fee arrangements are paid either by-the-hour or on a flat-fee basis. Importantly, each type of agreement has its own pros and cons. This is true in Bethlehem, PA and also across the nation.

Hourly fees

Typically, the hourly rate for a criminal defense attorney falls between $200 to $350 per hour. However, some lawyers may charge more or less depending on a number of factors. These may include their experience, skill, location, and even the level of customer service they provide clients throughout the course of representation.

To get started, attorneys commonly charge an initial retainer fee that covers the estimated number of hours to begin work on your case. Once that value is used up, the attorney will bill you by the hour at the agreed-upon rate.

This arrangement can have both positive and negative qualities. On one hand, paying hourly can be cheaper if your case requires very little of the lawyer’s time. On the other hand, you risk the overall cost increasing to an unaffordable level if your case is complicated and takes more time.

Flat fee criminal defense lawyer in Bethlehem

Flat fee agreements have several benefits. First, you know exactly how much the criminal defense lawyer will cost. You may agree on a flat fee for each stage of the case or one that will cover representation from start to finish. Second, you won’t have to worry about any hidden fees or unexpected charges.

At Kitay Law Offices, our criminal defense lawyers offer a flat-fee arrangement for most cases.

Payment plans

If you can’t afford to hire an attorney outright, many law firms offer payment plans that allow you to schedule payments over a period of time. This can be convenient if you need to break up the payments over a few weeks or months. Keep in mind, however, that your lawyer will likely require that the full fee is paid prior to any hearings in your case.

In addition, Kitay Law Offices offers the ability to pay part of your fee directly while receiving legal fee financing for the rest. Even with low or no credit, you may qualify for assistance in paying your legal fee. These programs are funded by a third party, separate from our law firm.

Are there any other costs besides the attorney’s fee?

Often times, clients in criminal defense matters are responsible for any additional expenses incurred by the criminal defense attorney. These can include court costs, filing fees, investigator fees, expert witness fees, and other related expenses. Ensure that your fee agreement indicates how any additional costs are handled for your case.

Let our Criminal Defense Lawyers in Bethlehem at Kitay Law Offices fight for you

Our office is located only a few minutes down the road in Allentown, PA. We have defended our Bethlehem, PA clients in the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas and Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas for over 25 years. In addition, we are familiar with each of the surrounding Magisterial District Courts.

Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll discuss your options and how we can build a strong defense for you.