Lawbreakers May Pay for Their Crimes More Than Once
There is no denying that any interaction with the justice system is costly, but it is hard to navigate the purpose of various fees and understand how to avoid unnecessary charges. Before making decisions about whether or not to hire a private lawyer, it is necessary to consider the hidden fees associated with the criminal court system.
Everyone is familiar with the Miranda Rights spoken by a police officer to an arrested person, “If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to represent you…” What is not included in those rights is the warning that in most states, there are fees that come with that court appointed lawyer which quickly add up. In fact, 43 states and the District of Colombia allow a defendant to be charged for a public defense attorney. So, while it might seem as though you have access to a free source of legal advice, court appointed attorneys do come with a financial cost.
Additionally, all criminal defendants must navigate through a complex web of fees and charges associated with the court system. These fees can easily double or even triple the original sentencing cost. Many criminals who are not sentenced to jail time do end up serving a jail sentence, not for their original crime, but because they could not pay court fees after their trial.
People often feel like they must choose between not using a lawyer and risk getting into a dilemma in court, or carrying debt forever. But when you start to add up court costs, appointed attorney costs, and the potential for unnecessarily severe charges, it becomes clear that choosing a legal representative that works for you could save time and money. A Fairfax criminal lawyer can navigate the court system and avoid unnecessary charges. Faraji A. Rosenthall’s law services can help you understand and prevent these fees. Contact us today!
