{"id":874,"date":"2026-10-17T00:30:10","date_gmt":"2026-10-17T00:30:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/how-much-do-the-best-criminal-lawyers-cost\/"},"modified":"2026-10-30T08:36:02","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T08:36:02","slug":"how-much-do-the-best-criminal-lawyers-cost","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/how-much-do-the-best-criminal-lawyers-cost\/","title":{"rendered":"Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Texas: Fee Options"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-dark chg-hero\" style=\"min-height:460px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-70 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(32,36,46,1) 0%,rgba(32,36,46,1) 55%,rgba(32,36,46,0.7) 100%)\"><\/span><img class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-872\" alt=\"Desk with legal papers, a calculator, and a pen, representing criminal defense attorney fees in Texas.\" src=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/desk-with-legal-papers-a-calculator-and-a-pen-representing-c-photo.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/desk-with-legal-papers-a-calculator-and-a-pen-representing-c-photo-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/desk-with-legal-papers-a-calculator-and-a-pen-representing-c-photo-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/desk-with-legal-papers-a-calculator-and-a-pen-representing-c-photo-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/desk-with-legal-papers-a-calculator-and-a-pen-representing-c-photo-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/desk-with-legal-papers-a-calculator-and-a-pen-representing-c-photo.jpg 1376w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 825px) 825px, 100vw\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\"\/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"chg-eyebrow has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Criminal Defense Fees | Frisco, Texas<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Texas: Understanding Your Fee Options<\/h1><p class=\"has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.625), 1.25rem);text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Heather Barbieri explains what shapes a criminal defense fee, what a quote should cover and what to ask before you hire a lawyer. Start with a free initial consultation with no obligation to continue.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+19724241902\">Schedule Your Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">Schedule Your Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.5rem\">By Heather Barbieri \u00b7 Published October 16, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<p>Criminal defense lawyers in Texas do not charge one set price. The cost depends on the charge, the evidence and how far the case goes. Most criminal defense work is billed by the hour, as a flat fee for a defined job, or against a retainer deposit.<\/p>\n<p>If you are reading this for a spouse, partner, adult child or other family member, you are probably facing a hard decision with limited information. That is a common place to start. This guide explains how criminal defense fees are structured, what changes the total and what should be in writing before anyone pays.<\/p>\n<h2>Why there is no single price for criminal defense<\/h2>\n<p>No honest lawyer can name one price before reviewing the case. A fee depends on the charge, the facts, the evidence and the stages the case may reach. Two cases with the same charge can need very different amounts of work.<\/p>\n<p>Clients often ask why some lawyers charge so much. The answer is usually the work behind the bill. A criminal defense lawyer may need to review police reports and the evidence the prosecution shares, which is called discovery. The lawyer may investigate, meet with the client, negotiate with the prosecutor, file motions and prepare for trial if the case gets there.<\/p>\n<p>Online cases add their own work. Phones, computers and messaging records often need careful review before anyone can explain what they show.<\/p>\n<p>A lower quote is not automatically better value. A low number may cover only the first court setting. Ask exactly what a quote covers before you judge it. For an overview of how online-related allegations are handled, read our <a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/\">online sex crimes defense guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-surface-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--surface,#f2f3f5);color:var(--wp--preset--color--contrast,#22252b);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a family member has been charged or contacted and cost is weighing on you, we can talk through how fees are structured in your situation. Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+19724241902\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Common fee structures used in criminal defense<\/h2>\n<p>Criminal defense fees are usually billed by the hour, as a flat fee, or through a retainer. Each structure works differently. Ask which one applies before you agree to anything.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Hourly billing.<\/strong> The lawyer records time and bills at a stated rate. The total is open-ended because it grows with the work the case needs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Flat fee.<\/strong> The client pays one set amount for a defined job, such as one stage of the case. A flat fee usually does not cover every later step, so read the scope closely.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Retainer.<\/strong> The client pays an upfront deposit, and the lawyer bills against it. Ask what happens to any unused money and whether the deposit must be refilled.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Payment plans may exist, but don&#8217;t assume one is offered. Ask about any payment arrangement and confirm it in the engagement agreement. The signed terms matter more than the label on the fee.<\/p>\n<h2>What drives the total cost of a case<\/h2>\n<p>The charge, the amount of evidence and the number of court settings drive the total most. Each one changes how much work the case needs.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The charge.<\/strong> The grade of the offense sets the punishment range. A Class A misdemeanor can carry up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000 (<a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.12.htm#12.21\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 12.21<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Felony ranges.<\/strong> A first-degree felony can carry life, or 5 to 99 years, in prison (<a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.12.htm#12.32\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 12.32<\/a>). A second-degree felony carries 2 to 20 years (<a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.12.htm#12.33\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 12.33<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Enhancements.<\/strong> A state jail felony can be punished as a third-degree felony in some cases, such as when a deadly weapon was used (<a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.12.htm#12.35\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 12.35<\/a>). For certain repeat sex offenses, <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/Docs\/PE\/htm\/PE.12.htm#12.42\">Texas Penal Code \u00a7 12.42(c)(2)<\/a> requires a life sentence when the defendant has a qualifying prior conviction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Higher stakes usually mean more time on investigation and trial preparation.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Volume of evidence.<\/strong> Phones, computers and messaging records take time to review and explain.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Outside professionals.<\/strong> A digital forensic examiner may be needed to review device data. Ask whether that cost is billed to you separately.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Court settings and negotiations.<\/strong> Each setting, motion and negotiation adds work. A case that moves toward trial needs more preparation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Location.<\/strong> Travel time changes the bill, whether the case is in Collin County or elsewhere in Texas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How lawyers track their time and bill for it<\/h2>\n<p>Hourly lawyers usually record time in small units, often tenths of an hour, which is six minutes each. Each entry should say what was done and how long it took. A 30-minute call billed in tenths of an hour shows as five-tenths of an hour.<\/p>\n<p>Typical entries include a call with the client, a review of discovery, drafting a motion or a court appearance. Ask how each kind of task is billed. Ask whether administrative work is billed at all.<\/p>\n<p>Our office has support staff. Ask whether staff time is billed, and at what rate. Staff time is different from the lawyer&#8217;s time, so the bill should show it separately.<\/p>\n<p>Reviewing a bill helps you understand the total. Ask what any entry covers and how the total was reached. A clear billing method makes those questions easier to answer. Ask us to explain our billing method before you agree to anything.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-close-up-of-a-gavel-beside-a-legal-document-stamped-innoce-photo.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up of a gavel beside a legal document stamped &quot;Innocent&quot; on a wooden desk.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>What to get in writing before you pay<\/h2>\n<p>Get the scope, the fee, the billing method and the costs in writing before you pay anything. Written terms protect both you and the lawyer. For background on how the lawyer-client relationship works, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/guides.sll.texas.gov\/hiring-and-firing-your-lawyer\/attorney-client-relationship\">attorney-client relationships<\/a> guide from the Texas State Law Library.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Scope.<\/strong> Which stages are included, such as investigation, arraignment, pretrial and trial, and which are not, such as appeals.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fee and billing.<\/strong> The amount, the billing method, any rate changes, deposit terms and what happens to unused funds.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Separate costs.<\/strong> Forensic examiner fees, records, transcripts, filing fees and investigator costs, and whether each one is billed to you.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Updates.<\/strong> How you will receive updates and invoices, and who to contact with questions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Ask what happens to fees if the representation ends early.<\/p>\n<p>Read the agreement fully. Ask about anything unclear before you sign.<\/p>\n<h2>When to talk with a criminal defense lawyer about cost<\/h2>\n<p>Talking with a criminal defense lawyer early can clarify the charge, the evidence and your options. Those answers help you plan for cost.<\/p>\n<p>Families often start asking about fees after an arrest, a notice of investigation, a summons or a request for a statement or a device. Each of these can raise decisions that need careful thought. An early review can also shape the scope and cost of the work.<\/p>\n<p>Confirm any court date or deadline from the charging papers or from the court itself. Dates vary by case, so use the documents you have in hand.<\/p>\n<p>Bring the charging documents, notices and court papers to a first meeting. The person who was charged should be part of the cost talk, since that person makes key decisions about the case. A fee discussion is most useful when it is based on the actual charge.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-surface-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--surface,#f2f3f5);color:var(--wp--preset--color--contrast,#22252b);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-contrast-color has-text-color\">Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+19724241902\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions about criminal defense fees<\/h2><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can a criminal lawyer tell me the total cost before reviewing the case?<\/summary><p>No. A fair estimate needs the charge, the evidence and the stages the case may reach.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Is a flat fee always cheaper?<\/summary><p>Not necessarily. A flat fee covers a defined scope, and it may not include later stages.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can a Texas criminal lawyer charge a fee based on the case outcome? No. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.texasbar.com\/tdrpc\/\">Texas disciplinary rules<\/a> do not allow a lawyer to charge a criminal defendant a fee that depends on the outcome of the case.<\/h3>\n<h3>Why can&#8217;t a lawyer say how a case will end?<\/summary><p>Outcomes depend on the evidence, the prosecution and facts that often come out later. No lawyer can say how a case will end.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Should I ask about fees before deciding whether to talk with a lawyer?<\/summary><p>Yes. Fee questions are a normal part of a first meeting, so ask them early.<\/p><\/details><h2>Talk with Barbieri Law Firm about your situation<\/h2>\n<p>If a family member has been contacted about messages or online activity, cost questions may come before the full picture is clear. That is a hard place to be.<\/p>\n<p>Barbieri Law Firm is a criminal defense firm based in Frisco, Texas. We defend people accused of sex crimes and assaultive offenses in Collin County, the Dallas-Fort Worth area and across Texas. Heather Barbieri is the lead lawyer.<\/p>\n<p>Our first consultation is free and without obligation. We can review the charge with you, explain how fees are structured and answer your questions. No lawyer can say how a case will end, but we can explain your options.<\/p>\n<p>To talk about your situation, call (972) 424-1902 or send your case details through our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">contact form<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Attorney responsible for this site: Heather Barbieri, Barbieri Law Firm, Frisco, Texas.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/article>\n<footer class=\"disclaimer\"><em>Barbieri Law Firm, 17 Cowboys Way, Suite 175, Frisco, TX 75034. The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Results listed are not a guarantee or indication of future case results.<\/em><\/footer>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">What to expect when we discuss fees<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--document\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A fee discussion based on your case<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We look at the charge, the evidence and the stages your case may reach before we talk about cost.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--chat\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Questions answered in plain language<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our team walks you through each step of the fee discussion, from the first call to the written terms.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--clock\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Free initial consultation<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your first consultation is free and comes with no obligation to continue.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-surface-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--surface,#f2f3f5);color:var(--wp--preset--color--contrast,#22252b);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-contrast-color has-text-color\">Before you agree to any fee<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask what the quoted amount covers, whether it includes hearings, trial preparation and appeals, and how additional work would be billed.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+19724241902\">Call (972) 424-1902 to ask your questions<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">Call (972) 424-1902 to ask your questions<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-surface-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Factors that shape the cost of a criminal defense<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The charge and its seriousness<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The offense, its level and any enhancements affect how much investigation, motion practice and preparation a case may require.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The evidence<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Video, digital records, lab results and witness statements all take time to review, and the volume of evidence can change the scope of work.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The stage of the case<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Early investigation, negotiations, pretrial motions and trial each involve different work, so the stage affects the scope of any fee.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Court and location<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Collin County, Dallas County and other Texas courts have their own schedules and procedures, which can influence the time a case takes.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4d466591 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--primary,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color\">Talk with Heather Barbieri about your case and your fee options<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-0aa01211 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+19724241902\">Schedule Your Free Consultation or Call (972) 424-1902<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/contact\/\">Schedule Your Free Consultation or Call (972) 424-1902<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related practice areas<\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/what-is-the-best-defense-for-shoplifting\/\">What is the best defense for shoplifting?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/collin-county-sex-solicitation-lawyer\/\">Collin County Sex Solicitation Lawyer<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- chg:section-siblings -->\n<nav aria-label=\"More in this section\">\n<h2>More in this section<\/h2>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/how-much-is-a-sex-crime-lawyer\/\">How much is a sex crime lawyer?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/how-much-time-does-a-sex-offender-get-in-texas\/\">How much time does a sex offender get in Texas?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/how-to-pay-for-a-defense-attorney\/\">How to pay for a defense attorney?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/icac-online-sex-crime-investigation-defense-lawyer-texas\/\">ICAC Online Sex Crime Investigations in Texas: What Defense Counsel Does First<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/guides\/online-sex-crimes-defense-lawyer\/improper-photography-visual-recording-defense-lawyer-texas\/\">Improper Photography or Visual Recording Defense Lawyer in Texas | Barbieri Law Firm<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How much do criminal defense lawyers cost in Texas? Learn hourly, flat and retainer fees, what changes the total, and what to get in writing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":19,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"chg_review":"","chg_sendback":"","chg_canonical":"","chg_lang":"","chg_hreflang":"","chg_jsonld":"[{\"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/criminal-defense-lawyer-cost-texas\/#webpage\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/criminal-defense-lawyer-cost-texas\/\", \"name\": \"Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Texas: Fee Options\", \"about\": [{\"name\": \"Criminal defense attorney fees\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"Fee structures for criminal defense representation\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"Hourly, flat fee and retainer billing\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}], \"author\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Heather Barbieri\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.barbierilawfirm.com\/attorneys\/heather-barbieri\/\", \"jobTitle\": \"Founding Attorney, Board Certified in Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization\", \"sameAs\": [\"https:\/\/www.texasbar.com\/AM\/Template.cfm?Section=Update_My_Profile&Template=\/CustomSource\/AttorneySearch\/MainProfileView.cfm&CFID=16102400&CFTOKEN=de0a8b038ec3c7b5-2AB4B1CB-5056-9551-D4D5BC06D0A3DEE5\", \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/heather-barbieri-3880184\", \"https:\/\/www.avvo.com\/attorneys\/75034-tx-heather-barbieri-1771243.html\"], \"worksFor\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Barbieri Law Firm\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/\"}}, \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"PeopleAudience\", \"audienceType\": \"Adults researching the cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer for a family member or themselves who has been charged or is under investigation\"}, \"headline\": \"Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Texas: Fee Options\", \"isPartOf\": {\"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/#website\", \"@type\": \"WebSite\"}, \"provider\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Barbieri Law Firm\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/\"}, \"publisher\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/guides\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Barbieri Law Firm\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/barbierilawfirm.com\/\"}, \"speakable\": {\"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\", \"cssSelector\": [\"article > p:first-of-type\", \".wp-block-details p\", \"article > h1\"]}, \"areaServed\": [{\"name\": \"Texas\", \"@type\": \"State\"}, {\"name\": \"Collin County, Texas\", \"@type\": \"AdministrativeArea\"}, {\"name\": \"Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas\", \"@type\": \"AdministrativeArea\"}], \"inLanguage\": \"en-US\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can a criminal lawyer tell me the total cost before reviewing the case?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No. A fair estimate needs the charge, the evidence and the stages the case may reach.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Is a flat fee always cheaper?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Not necessarily. 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