What is the average yearly income for a criminal defense lawyer?

Answer 1

Salaries depend on where the criminal lawyer works. Options follow.

• Private Firm

  The median salary for a criminal lawyer in a private firm is $78,593. The range will vary based on the nature of the case, including whether the attorney focuses on initial trials or appeals. Once a lawyer becomes partner is a firm, he or she may make between $100,000 and $197,563, depending on his or her experience.

• Solo Practice

  Attorneys who work in solo practice make a median salary of $95,195 per year. Solo practice attorneys are generally self-employed, but may have a financial partner involved in another area of the practice, such as administration or accounting. They may also be affiliated with a larger firm but function independently.

• Public Defenders

  Public defenders are employed by federal, state and local courts to represent criminal defendants who cannot afford to retain a private attorney. Public defenders with less than one year experience make a median yearly salary of $44,421. With five to nine years experience, public defenders make around $59,998 per year. Experienced public defenders who have been practicing for over 20 years may make $92,280 or more.

• District Attorney

  District attorneys are employed by the government and prosecute cases on behalf of the state. District attorneys with less than one year experience make a median salary of $45,775 per year. With five to nine years experience, district attorneys make around $70,153. District attorneys who have practiced 20 years or more have a median salary of $101,478.

• Non-Profit Lawyers

  Private non-profit groups dedicated to specific causes, such as civil rights, free speech or decriminalizing drugs may employ criminal defense attorneys to represent persons who cannot afford private counsel. Non-profit criminal defense attorneys with one to four years experience have a median yearly salary of $41,583. With five to nine years experience, non-profit lawyers make a median salary of $80,000 per year. Lawyers with over 20 years experience may make $86,796 per year or more.

It varies wildly based on where they are and who they work for. Public defenders often start at 35-40K. Well known attorneys in private practice can bring in 250K or more.

Answer 2

In Oklahoma County, Oklahoma an assistant public defender starts off at $38,500 a year.

In Orlando, Florida an assistant public defender starts off at $42, 000/year and benefits which is very low considering the case load.

Answer 3

I make €1 every minute