Last updated: September 28, 2026
Quick Answer: Most Chicago criminal defense lawyers, including our firm, charge a flat fee for a criminal case. The amount depends mainly on how serious the charge is (a misdemeanor or a felony, and which class of felony), your criminal history, how much evidence there is to review, and whether the case is likely to go to trial. At the Law Offices of Mitch Furman, consultations are free, the fee is agreed in writing before we start, and payment plans are available.
Key Takeaways
- Criminal defense in Chicago is usually billed as a flat fee for the case rather than by the hour. At our firm, a trial is billed separately, and a jury trial costs more than a bench trial.
- The biggest cost drivers are the level of the charge, your prior record, the amount of evidence and whether the case goes to trial.
- A DUI adds a second fight over your driver’s license, which can add work to the case.
- Your lawyer’s fee is only one part of the cost. Fines, court costs, classes and license fees can add up too.
- We offer free consultations and payment plans. Call (312) 236-7078, 24/7.
How We Charge for Criminal Cases
We charge a flat fee per case. Before we start, you get a written fee agreement that sets out the fee and what it covers. You will not get a surprise bill for every phone call or court date. If your case goes to trial, the trial is a separate fee, which we will explain before you decide.
We do not list prices online because two cases with the same charge can need very different amounts of work. A first-time misdemeanor that resolves in a few court dates is not the same job as a felony with video evidence, lab reports and a possible trial. We will quote your fee during a free consultation, once we know the facts.
What Affects the Cost of a Criminal Defense Lawyer
The level of the charge
Illinois divides crimes into misdemeanors (Class A, B and C) and felonies (Class 4 up to Class 1, Class X and first-degree murder). The more serious the charge, the higher the stakes and the more work a defense usually takes. A felony case normally costs more to defend than a misdemeanor.
Your criminal history
Prior convictions can raise the possible sentence and limit options like supervision. A case with a record often needs more negotiation and preparation.
How much evidence there is
Police reports, body camera and squad car video, 911 calls, lab results and witness statements all take time to get and review. Cases with more evidence, or evidence that needs to be challenged in a motion to suppress, take more work.
Whether the case goes to trial
Many cases are resolved without a trial. Our flat fee covers the case up to trial. If your case goes to trial, the trial is billed separately, and a jury trial costs more than a bench trial (a trial in front of a judge alone) because it takes more preparation and more time in court.
Where the case is heard
Felony cases in Chicago are heard at the Leighton Criminal Court Building at 26th and California. Other cases may be in a Chicago branch court, a suburban Cook County courthouse such as Skokie, Rolling Meadows, Maywood, Bridgeview or Markham, or in DuPage, Will, Kankakee or Lake County. Travel and the number of court dates can affect the work involved.
DUI cases have two parts
A DUI arrest usually starts an automatic statutory summary suspension of your driver’s license, separate from the criminal charge. Challenging that suspension is a separate hearing. See our Chicago DUI defense page, or read the true cost of a DUI for a breakdown of the other expenses a DUI brings.
Other Costs Besides Your Lawyer
The lawyer’s fee is usually the biggest single cost, but it is not the only one. Depending on the charge and the outcome, you may also face:
- Fines and court costs
- Supervision or probation fees
- Court-ordered classes, evaluations or treatment
- Towing and impound fees if your car was taken
- For a DUI: license reinstatement fees, a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) and higher insurance premiums
Illinois no longer has cash bail, so you will not have to post a cash bond to be released while your case is pending. A judge decides at the first hearing whether you can be released and on what conditions.
Is a Cheaper Lawyer Worth It?
A criminal conviction can follow you for years, affecting jobs, housing, professional licenses and immigration status. When you compare lawyers, look past the price and ask:
- How many cases like mine have you handled?
- Who will appear in court for me?
- What does the fee cover, and what is not included?
- What are the realistic outcomes in my case?
For a general overview of how lawyers in Chicago charge, including hourly and contingency fees, see our guide to Chicago attorney costs. You can also learn more about our criminal defense practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you charge for a consultation?
No. Consultations are free. We will review your charge, explain what you are facing, and quote a flat fee for your case.
Do you charge a flat fee or by the hour?
We charge a flat fee per case for criminal defense and DUI matters. The fee is set in a written agreement before any work begins, so you know the total up front.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Payment plans are available for criminal cases. We will go over the options during your free consultation.
Does the fee cover a trial?
No. The flat fee covers your case up to trial. A trial is always an additional fee, and a jury trial costs more than a bench trial. We will explain the trial fee before you decide whether to go to trial.
Can a family member pay my legal fees?
Yes. A parent, spouse or other family member can pay the fee. Our duty and confidentiality obligations still run to you, the client, and you make the decisions in your case.
Should I use a public defender instead?
If you cannot afford a lawyer, you can ask the court to appoint the Cook County Public Defender, and the judge will decide whether you qualify. Public defenders are capable lawyers, but they carry heavy caseloads. A private lawyer can usually give your case more time and attention.
Talk to a Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer for Free
If you or someone in your family has been charged with a crime in Chicago or the surrounding counties, call the Law Offices of Mitch Furman at (312) 236-7078. We are available 24/7, consultations are free, and payment plans are available. You can also send us a message.
