Cheap Criminal Lawyers: Are they ever any good?

A lawyer can quote any price they like for their services. There are many excellent criminal lawyers who charge relatively cheap prices. This may be a reflection of lower operating expenses and other efficiencies such as their refusal to take on legal aid cases. Most people who are charged criminally are looking for a lawyer who will do a good job and not charge them excessive fees for it. There are many criminal lawyers who have the ability to produce top results that operate in a way that does not require them to charge their clients large amounts of money. Some of them probably make more money than the so-called “high price” criminal lawyers.

It is wrong to assume that just because a lawyer is asking for a higher price that many people are actually paying it or that their abilities, skills, and talents are any greater than the lawyer quoting a cheaper price. Some of the most successful criminal lawyers in Toronto are charging cheaper prices. Some lawyers charge the same fee for easy cases as they do for more difficult ones. Others will quote a variety of prices based on the anticipated time required given the nature of the charges and the facts of the case.

Every potential client is also in a different financial position. Some “cheap criminal lawyers” may be quoting lower fees simply because they assume or know that the potential client simply cannot afford to pay any more. By recognizing the financial circumstances of the client they are attempting to provide access to justice which is a fundamental principle of being called to the bar. A lawyer is not required to accept lower fees or work for free (pro bono), but it is generally encouraged within the profession.

Criminal lawyers quoting relatively cheap legal fees may simply be trying to accommodate individuals who require representation who currently have a limited means to pay. There are many people who often fit this profile including YCJA youth, students, those who recently lost their jobs, and those who find themselves separated from their family perhaps as a result of a domestic allegation.

Some "more expensive" lawyers may be at a point in their career (semi retired) where they simply do not want to take on as many cases as the "cheaper" lawyers.

Not every lawyer is in a position to take on the same caseload. Charging higher prices lowers the demand for their services as many potential clients will simply go elsewhere. For these lawyers it is a personal decision that they are now only willing to take cases at a certain, higher, price point. There is nothing wrong with this but it is also important for the public to understand that the asking price does not necessarily equal value or quality. Lawyers cannot charge excessive fees but there is a fair degree of latitude or range in terms of what is considered reasonable.

Every lawyer in Ontario is licenced by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO). This is the professional regulatory body that governs the profession. It is illegal to practice law or represent oneself as a lawyer if not licenced to do so. The LSO requires that fees be reasonable and not excessive but lawyers are otherwise free to quote any price they wish. Some lawyers will ask for fees that make others sound relatively low. The fee being quoted does not determine the quality of the representation. Many factors come into play for each lawyer in determining what they ask for to represent someone in a criminal case. A cheap lawyer may certainly be just as good or better than a so-called pricey one.

For more information on what Ontario criminal lawyers generally charge, please see our article on criminal lawyer fees.

You don't have to jeopardize your future or waste thousands of dollars on excessive legal fees. We provide effective and affordable lawyer representation for those charged with criminal offences throughout Ontario, Canada.

Have a skilled criminal lawyer who focuses on criminal law protect you and your future from the stigma and consequences of a criminal record and conviction.

Are you a lawyer? If you are defending a criminal case and are looking for expert advice regarding possible defences, case strategies, and information release management call us at: 647-228-5969.

Please note: We do not accept legal aid certificate cases. All clients are handled on a private retainer only.

*2024 Results: the percentage of 99% of clients avoiding a criminal record (conviction) stated on this page is based solely on Lawyer Mark Zinck's personal representation of approximately 2000 criminal defence case clients as of the year 2024. Past results are not necessarily an indication of future results.

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