What a Tucson Criminal Defense Attorney Costs.
Real numbers, explained plainly. Because when you're already stressed, the last thing you need is another guessing game.
Most criminal defense firms won't tell you what they charge.
If you've spent any time searching for a criminal defense lawyer in Tucson or Pima County, you've probably noticed something frustrating: almost nobody lists prices. You call. They quote a range. You call another firm. You get a different range. You still don't know what your case actually costs.
That's not how I want you to feel. If you're on this page, you're probably already dealing with the worst week of your year. You have questions about jail, about your license, about your job, about your family. Wondering whether you can even afford to ask a lawyer for help shouldn't be one of them.
So this page is my attempt at honesty. Below are the fees I typically charge to begin representation on the most common types of cases I handle. They are real starting points — not marketing bait, not a low-ball number designed to get you on the phone. And below the numbers, I explain exactly why fees "begin at" a certain point and what can change them.
What representation begins at.
Every case is different. These are the fees to begin representation on the most common matter types. Final quote comes after the free consultation.
Driving Under the Influence
Misdemeanor DUI representation in Pima County courts — including MVD/ADOT track and interlock advising.
Domestic Violence
Misdemeanor DV representation in Pima County courts. Skilled cross-examination is often the difference in these cases.
Orders of Protection & Limited-Scope Matters
Contested orders of protection, injunctions against harassment, and other limited-scope defense representation.
Felony Criminal Defense
Felony representation in Pima County Superior Court — from drug possession to violent felonies.
Misdemeanor Charges
Other misdemeanor representation — assault, disorderly conduct, shoplifting, criminal damage, and more.
Set-Asides & Record Sealing
Convictions set aside, records sealed, and rights restored. Flat-fee representation for the most common post-conviction cleanup work.
Why every fee here says "begins at."
Cases are living things. When you sit down for a consultation, you tell me what you know. But criminal cases evolve as evidence comes in, as prosecutors make decisions, and as facts you didn't know about — or didn't think mattered — come to light.
The flat fees above cover the ordinary shape of a case. Certain circumstances change that shape and can raise the fee. Some of the most common:
- Prior offenses. Priors change the exposure, the mandatory penalties, and the negotiation dynamic. A second or third DUI is not the same case as a first.
- Multiple charges filed together. DUI plus endangerment. Assault plus criminal damage. Each added charge is more work.
- Aggravating facts. A collision. A child in the car. An allegation of injury. Whether it's true or contested, it changes the case.
- Multiple courts. Some cases run in both criminal court and MVD, or across jurisdictions. Multiple tracks means multiple appearances.
- Trial. The flat fee covers pretrial, motions, and negotiation. A jury trial is a separate commitment that's discussed if we get there.
- Experts or investigators. If your case needs a toxicologist, an accident reconstructionist, or a private investigator, those costs are separate.
This is why I never quote a final number over the phone before understanding your case. It wouldn't be honest, and it wouldn't help you.
What to expect when you're ready to hire.
Significant Upfront Investment
Criminal defense is not a small purchase, and I want you to be prepared. Expect a substantial payment to begin representation. This is a serious matter, and the work starts immediately once you retain the firm.
Payment Plans May Be Available
In some cases we can structure a payment plan based on your case, timeline, and financial situation. Clients on a plan should be prepared to keep a credit card on file for automatic deductions on scheduled installments — this keeps your case moving without payment interruptions during representation. Not every case allows for a plan; we discuss it at the consultation.
Flat Fee, Not Trial Fee
For most AJB Law Firm cases, the flat fee covers representation from start to finish — including trial if the case goes there. See the FAQ below on what to watch for when other firms quote trial fees separately.
The fee isn't for court appearances. It's for everything before them.
People assume they're paying a lawyer for the day of court. In my experience, the courtroom is often a small part of the case — and most of the work that decides the outcome happens well before anyone stands up in front of a judge.
Investigation & Evidence Review
Reading every page of discovery, watching every minute of body-cam, subpoenaing what's missing, and finding what the state didn't turn over.
Motion Practice
Motions to suppress. Motions to dismiss. Motions in limine. This is where most cases are actually won or reshaped — long before anyone talks about a trial.
Negotiation Leverage
Prosecutors often move more on cases where the defense is ready and credible. In my experience, better plea offers tend to reach attorneys who are visibly prepared to try the case if it comes to that.
Client Counsel
Advice tailored to your priorities — jail avoidance, license preservation, immigration, professional licensing, or clearing your name. Every case has a different definition of "win."
Criminal defense consultations are always free.
There's no charge to sit down and talk through your case. Once you know what you're actually facing, you can make an informed decision about what to do next.
What people ask about cost.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Tucson?
Fees vary widely based on the charge, the court, whether it's a misdemeanor or felony, and the specific facts of the case. At AJB Law Firm, misdemeanor DV representation begins at $4,500, misdemeanor DUI representation begins at $5,500, contested orders of protection and limited-scope matters begin at $7,500, and felony representation begins at $8,500. Post-conviction work — setting aside a conviction from $650, record sealing from $950 — is priced separately. Every quote is confirmed after a free consultation because the specific facts of your case matter.
How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Tucson?
Misdemeanor DUI defense in Pima County at AJB Law Firm begins at $5,500 as a flat fee. That covers the criminal case, the MVD/ADOT track, and the standard course of representation. Priors, aggravated or extreme DUI, felony DUI, or a case that goes to jury trial can change the fee. The consultation is free and always includes a specific quote for your case.
Why does the fee say "begins at" instead of a flat number?
Because criminal cases are unpredictable. Priors, added charges, aggravating facts, multiple jurisdictions, or the need for expert witnesses all change the scope of the work. The starting fee covers the ordinary shape of the case. If something is more complicated, we discuss the adjusted fee before we begin. You never get surprised.
Do you offer payment plans?
Payment plans may be available depending on the case and your financial situation. Because criminal defense work begins immediately and is substantial from day one, clients should be prepared to make a significant initial payment to begin representation, and to keep a credit card on file for automatic deductions on scheduled installments. AJB Law Firm also accepts third-party legal-fee financing through LawPay ClientCredit, which is provided by Affirm — approval and terms are set by the lender, not the firm. See "What if I can't afford these fees?" below for more.
Do you charge trial fees on top of the flat fee?
Most criminal defense attorneys work on a flat-fee basis rather than hourly. Some firms structure that flat fee to cover only pretrial work and then quote a separate trial fee if the case ultimately goes to a jury. This is a legitimate fee structure — but it's one that clients don't always realize is in their engagement agreement until the case has progressed.
For most AJB Law Firm matters, the flat fee is the full representation fee — trial included. There are some cases where a separate trial fee is appropriate and warranted (complex felonies, cases requiring multiple experts, or cases with extraordinary trial preparation demands), but that's the exception. If a trial fee applies to your case, it is discussed and agreed to before representation begins, not after. When you sign an engagement letter with AJB Law Firm, the fee structure is fully spelled out.
Is the consultation actually free?
Yes. Criminal defense consultations at AJB Law Firm are always free, whether we meet in person, on the phone, or by video. There's no charge to walk through your case and get real answers about what you're facing.
Why hire a private attorney instead of using a public defender?
Public defenders are often excellent lawyers with heavy caseloads. A private attorney gives you a smaller caseload, more direct access, and more time on your specific case. It's not a slight on public defenders — it's a difference in what a client is buying. Read The Importance of Hiring a Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney for more.
What if I can't afford these fees?
If the fees on this page are beyond what you can invest right now, don't disappear. Come to a free consultation anyway. There are usually more options than people realize.
Third-party financing through LawPay ClientCredit. AJB Law Firm accepts client financing through LawPay ClientCredit, a legal-fee financing product provided by Affirm. Approved clients can spread the cost of representation over monthly payments rather than paying the full retainer upfront. Approval, interest rate, and repayment terms are set by Affirm — not by the firm. AJB Law Firm receives no fee or benefit from your use of ClientCredit, and clients are not required to use financing to be represented by the firm. For many clients, this is what makes hiring private counsel possible.
Payment plans directly with the firm. In some cases we can structure a plan billed to a credit card on file. Whether that's an option depends on the case and your specific situation.
Referrals and resources. If neither option works, I can point you toward colleagues who take cases at different price points, or toward public defender resources if you qualify. The worst option is going through a criminal case without any lawyer at all.