How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in South Carolina? 2025

It can be terrifying to face a criminal investigation or charges. Many people wonder: How much does a criminal lawyer cost in South Carolina? The costs of a defense attorney can cause many people to avoid getting legal support at a point in their lives where experienced and diligent legal support is more crucial than ever. It is important to understand the various factors that influence the cost of a criminal defense attorney.

You cannot assume that because you are innocent, you can avoid conviction or that you will be fairly sentenced for an offense. You need a criminal defense attorney to protect your rights in the criminal justice system.

What Factors Impact the Cost of a Criminal Defense Attorney in South Carolina?

The average fee of a criminal lawyer in South Carolina is $347 per hour. However, this average does not help you understand the specific costs of an attorney because hourly fees could be much higher or lower than this. There are several details about your criminal case and about the attorney you work with that can impact the fees. These factors include:

Complexity of Your Case and Severity of Your Charges

A more complicated criminal case will likely take longer and may have a higher fee because it takes more work for the attorney to investigate and defend. A complicated case may have several defendants, complex legal issues, or require significant investigation into evidence.

The fees for defending against more serious charges are also generally higher. Both felonies and misdemeanors can have severe consequences in your life, but felonies are more serious, potentially resulting in prison time. An attorney may need additional resources like professional witnesses, which increases the costs.

For example, while South Carolina spends a $1,000 flat fee on attorney’s fees for non-murder criminal offenses and non-capital murder, the state spends an average of $118,058 in attorney’s fees for each capital murder case. While these costs can demonstrate a significant difference based on the severity of the offense, they do not reflect the actual costs of criminal defense representation.

Experience and Skill of the Attorney

An attorney with significant experience and successful outcomes in criminal defense law is likely to have higher fees. They likely have handled a wider range of criminal defense cases, have more resources to work with, have strong professional relationships with local courts, and know how to navigate complex issues.

When your case is involved in a more specific area of criminal law, fewer attorneys may handle those cases, so an attorney who focuses on that area may also have higher costs.

Always check an attorney’s experience, success rate, and areas of focus. Experienced attorneys may have higher rates, but not all attorneys with high rates have the necessary experience.

Fee Structure for Your Type of Case

For criminal defense cases, most attorneys charge an hourly fee. The longer the case takes, the more attorney’s fees become. Hourly fees may also include a retainer fee or a deposit for a certain amount of hourly work from your attorney. In rare cases, a criminal defense attorney may charge a flat fee for a criminal defense case, such as for a very straightforward and simple legal matter. Discuss what fees and costs are and are not included in the flat fee.

Criminal Trial of Dismissal

Not all criminal charges result in a criminal trial. In fiscal year 2022, 2.3% of defendants in federal criminal cases went to trial, resulting in either an acquittal or a guilty verdict. Many defendants pleaded guilty, while 8.2% of cases resulted in dismissal.

Through pre-trial motions and other actions by your attorney, some cases can be dropped or dismissed prior to a trial. Your attorney may also negotiate a plea deal if that is the most beneficial outcome available for your case. When a case goes to trial, it takes longer to resolve, which will increase the costs of the attorney you are hiring on an hourly basis. In some cases, an attorney’s fees will be higher for trial cases.

Geographical Location of the Attorney

The location of an attorney and their firm can impact their fees. Attorneys in cities or in other areas with a high cost of living are likely to charge higher rates than attorneys in more rural areas.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer in South Carolina?

The cost of hiring a lawyer in South Carolina depends on many different factors, including the type of case you are hiring them for and the fee structure. Criminal cases are typically charged on an hourly fee, potentially with a retainer fee. Some types of cases are handled through flat fees.

Other cases, like personal injury claims, are handled under the contingency fee system. Always discuss your unique case with an attorney to determine their specific fees for representation.

What Is the Average Retainer Fee for a Criminal Lawyer?

Retainer fees for a criminal lawyer can range significantly and depend on their hourly fee. A retainer fee means that you pay for a certain amount of your attorney’s hourly work up front, allowing them to provide ongoing legal services. The amount of the fee will depend on the complexity of your case, the severity of your charges, and the amount of work your attorney expects your case to require.

How Do You Afford a Criminal Lawyer?

Always talk with a specific criminal lawyer about your options for paying for their services to determine if there are options. An attorney can help you understand the numerous costs involved in defending against criminal charges. Unfortunately, if you don’t have a strong criminal defense, you could face many more significant costs due to a conviction. This includes long-term collateral consequences of conviction, such as having difficulty finding a job or securing credit.

How Much Does the Average Criminal Trial Cost?

The average criminal trial cost depends on the type of criminal charge, the amount of time the trial takes, and many other factors. You should consider filing fees, attorney’s fees, and other expenses. When you discuss your case with an attorney, always talk with them about their fees and the cost of a trial if one happens. A good attorney should be upfront with you about these costs and explain what is and isn’t included in their pricing.

Contact a Skilled Defense Firm

At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, we bring you personalized and exceptional criminal defense. Contact our firm today.