Drug possession lawyer fees can vary widely. A few factors will determine what your drug possession lawyer will charge you for representation. That said, drug possession is often a crime that's rolled into other charges, complicating the matter of costs. Here are the factors that may affect how much you must pay a drug possession lawyer.

Co-Charges

Do you have any co-charges along with your drug possession charge? For instance, let's say you've been caught with pounds of drugs in your vehicle crossing state lines. You likely will have other charges to contend with as it's no longer a "simple possession" case. Your other charges could increase the cost of the representation because more factors are involved in the case. A drug possession lawyer has to put more work into your defense when you have multiple charges or co-charges.

The Type of Drugs You're Charged With Possessing

Drug possession laws recognize illicit drugs on a schedule, which puts them into a severity tier list. The schedule is used to determine the severity of the crime and, ultimately, the punishment. For instance, schedule I drugs are categorized as having no accepted medical use, making them the worst type of drug to be charged with possessing. If you're charged with possession of a schedule I drug, it'll likely raise the cost of representation.

Time Spent in Pre-Trial

Not all drug possession cases are the same, meaning you may have to contend with different costs in different situations. As you might imagine, the amount of time your lawyer needs to spend appearing in court and negotiating on your behalf will vary depending on the details of your case. Your lawyer will be able to explain their pricing structure to you as well as any changes that need to be made along the way. Be sure to ask any questions upfront if you have them to avoid confusion down the road.

Don't take on a drug possession charge alone. According to Pew Research, about 27% of people in jail are there because of a simple possession charge. If you've been charged with drug possession, you need a lawyer. It's an essential outcome of the case that you have a lawyer to defend your rights. Contact us at McAlister Law Firm, LLC to learn more about the cost of defending your drug possession case.