The Short Answer
Most criminal defense lawyers in the Atlanta metro area charge a flat fee that depends on the charge: roughly $1,500–$5,000 for a misdemeanor, $2,500–$10,000 for a DUI, and $5,000–$25,000 or more for a felony. Attorneys who bill hourly typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour. Taking a case to trial adds significantly to the cost. Many firms, including The Windecher Firm, offer a free initial consultation where you can get a quote for your specific situation.
Typical Fees by Type of Case
Every case is different, but the ranges below reflect what defendants in Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties commonly pay in attorney fees as of 2026:
| Type of Case | Typical Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor (e.g., shoplifting, simple battery) | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| DUI (first offense, resolved without trial) | $2,500 – $10,000 |
| Non-violent felony (e.g., drug possession, theft) | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Serious felony (violent crimes, trafficking) | $10,000 – $25,000+ |
| Federal charges | $15,000 – $50,000+ |
| Taking a case to trial (in addition to pre-trial fees) | $5,000 – $25,000+ |
Ranges are estimates for the Atlanta metro area and are not a quote. Complex facts, prior records, and contested hearings can move any case outside these ranges.
What Determines How Much a Defense Lawyer Charges?
Five factors drive nearly every fee quote you will receive:
- Severity of the charge. A felony requires far more preparation than a misdemeanor: grand jury proceedings, motions, and higher stakes at every step.
- Case complexity. Multiple charges, co-defendants, search-and-seizure issues, or large amounts of evidence all increase the hours your defense requires.
- Whether the case goes to trial. Most flat fees cover the pre-trial phase. A jury trial is typically quoted separately because preparation can take weeks.
- The attorney’s experience.Lawyers with a track record in your specific type of case — and relationships in the courthouse where it will be heard — command higher fees.
- Additional professionals.Investigators, expert witnesses, and forensic analysts are usually billed separately from the attorney’s fee.
Flat Fees vs. Hourly Billing
Criminal defense is one of the few areas of law where flat fees are the norm. A flat fee gives you certainty: you know the total cost up front, no matter how many hearings your case requires. Hourly billing ($150–$500 per hour in the Atlanta market) is less common and usually reserved for unusually complex or federal matters.
Whichever structure an attorney proposes, ask exactly what the fee covers — and what it does not. A clear written fee agreement should spell out whether motions, license hearings, probation matters, and trial are included.
Costs Beyond Attorney Fees
Budget for expenses that fall outside the lawyer’s fee:
- Bail or bond premiums— typically 10–15% of the bond amount if you use a bonding company.
- Court costs and fines— set by the court if your case ends in a plea or conviction.
- Expert witnesses and investigators— from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the specialty.
- Classes and evaluations— DUI risk reduction courses, drug and alcohol evaluations, or anger management programs required as a condition of resolution.
Is Hiring a Private Attorney Worth the Cost?
If you cannot afford an attorney, you have a constitutional right to a public defender, and Georgia’s public defenders include many skilled, dedicated lawyers. The practical difference is time and choice: public defenders often juggle hundreds of open cases, and you cannot pick who represents you. A private attorney chooses their caseload, can devote more hours to your defense, and can be selected specifically for experience with your charge.
When weighing the cost, compare it against what is actually at stake: a criminal conviction can affect your freedom, your driver’s license, your immigration status, and your ability to find work or housing for years. In many cases, the most expensive outcome is a conviction that could have been avoided — or later restricted from your record. Our guide on record restriction explains what that second process involves.
What About Clearing an Old Case?
Restricting a record costs far less than defending a case, and in many situations it costs nothing at all because the record should already have been restricted automatically. Eligibility depends on how the case ended, not on how long ago it happened. Our free Georgia record restriction eligibility checker walks through the same questions we ask in a consultation and tells you which rule applies to your case.
How The Windecher Firm Approaches Fees
Every case at The Windecher Firm starts with a free consultation— in English or Spanish — where we review the facts of your case and give you a clear picture of what your defense will involve and what it will cost. No surprises, and no pressure.
If you or a loved one is facing charges in Georgia or Florida, call (404) 720-0940 or contact us online to get a quote for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do criminal defense lawyers in Atlanta offer payment plans?
Many do. It is common for firms to split a flat fee into an initial payment plus monthly installments. Always ask about payment options during your initial consultation and make sure the schedule is written into your fee agreement.
Is a public defender free in Georgia?
Nearly free, but not automatic. You must qualify financially, and Georgia charges a $50 public defender application fee (which can be waived). Public defenders are qualified attorneys, but they often carry heavy caseloads, which can limit the time available for each case.
How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Atlanta?
Most Atlanta DUI cases cost between $2,500 and $10,000 in attorney fees when resolved without trial. Aggravating factors such as a high blood alcohol level, an accident, a prior DUI, or a contested license suspension hearing can push fees higher, and taking the case to trial adds to the cost.
Why do felony cases cost more than misdemeanors?
Felonies carry higher stakes and more work: more court appearances, grand jury proceedings, motions practice, investigators, expert witnesses, and longer timelines. The potential consequences — prison time and a permanent felony record — also demand more preparation at every stage.
Does a more expensive lawyer guarantee a better outcome?
No. Price alone does not predict results. What matters is the attorney's experience with your specific charge, their familiarity with the local courts and prosecutors, and how much time they can dedicate to your case. Ask any attorney you interview how many cases like yours they have handled.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Fee ranges are market estimates, vary by case, and do not constitute a quote or an offer of representation. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with The Windecher Firm.
About the Author
David Windecher
David Lee Windecher is the founding attorney of The Windecher Firm, admitted to the Georgia Bar in 2012 and the Florida Bar in 2014. Named “Lawyer of the Year” by the Georgia Hispanic Bar Association, David has defended clients across the Atlanta metro area for over a decade and believes every client deserves to know exactly what their defense will cost before they commit.
Learn more about David