Felony Defense Attorney Fees in Salt Lake City
Felony defense lawyer fees in Salt Lake City, Utah average about $10,300 — roughly 103% of the U.S. average and in line with the Utah state average of $10,300.
What this typically includes
Case review, investigation, the grand jury or preliminary hearing, pre-trial motions (including suppression), plea negotiation, and representation through resolution. A trial, court costs, private investigators, and expert witnesses are usually billed separately.
Utah has a formal three-strikes law. It can impose a life (or 25-to-life) sentence on a third serious or violent felony.
So prior convictions can dramatically raise the stakes of a new felony charge here.
Felony defense attorneys in Utah usually charge a flat fee for a case resolved by plea. They bill hourly for trials. Prior convictions can sharply increase both the exposure and the work.
Utah sets the felony classes, sentencing ranges, and enhancements. These change and are often severe, so confirm them locally.
A public defender is available if you cannot afford a lawyer.
Get in touch with a felony defense lawyer in Salt Lake City
Browse these felony defense attorneys serving Salt Lake City. Give a call or request an estimate and connect with local firm that fits your case.
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About Salt Lake City, UT
With a cost-of-living index of 103% of the U.S. average and a median household income of $72,357, felony defense attorney fees in Salt Lake City typically run 3% higher than the national norm. The Salt Lake City area supports roughly 825 law firms, giving clients a competitive market of firms to compare. As a local cost gauge, the fair-market rent for a two-bedroom home in the Salt Lake City area is about $1,606/month.
How Salt Lake City compares
Average felony defense lawyer fees, Salt Lake City vs. Utah vs. the U.S.
Salt Lake City sits about 3% higher than the national average for felony defense lawyer fees.
What affects felony defense lawyer fees in Salt Lake City
In Salt Lake City, the cost of living comes in at 103% of the U.S. average and the median household income is $72,357 — both of which shape what local attorneys charge. Beyond location, these factors determine felony defense lawyer fees:
- Felony class / severity — Higher felony classes carry more prison exposure and cost more to defend.
- Trial vs. plea — A felony trial costs far more than a negotiated plea.
- Prior convictions — A record and any three-strikes or habitual-offender enhancement raise the stakes.
- Evidence & experts — Forensics, investigators, and expert witnesses add significant cost.
- Charge complexity — Multiple counts, codefendants, or large discovery add hours.
- Jurisdiction — State felony classes, sentencing ranges, and enhancements vary.
How to choose a felony defense lawyer in Salt Lake City
Fees matter, but the right felony defense attorney in Salt Lake City also often improves your timeline and your outcome. Before you hire:
- Confirm the fee structure. Felony defense matters are usually a flat fee — one agreed price for the work. Get it in writing before you sign — our flat fees guide explains exactly what to look for.
- Look for felony defense experience. Choose an attorney who regularly handles felony defense cases in Utah, not a generalist.
- Use the free consultation. Most Salt Lake City felony defense attorneys review your case at no cost — use it to compare two or three.
- Verify licensing. Confirm the attorney is licensed and in good standing with the Utah state bar.
- Clarify what's included. Ask which case costs are separate from the fee and how they are billed — see attorney fees vs. case costs.
Need help with your felony defense case?
Average attorney fees in Salt Lake City by case type
National benchmarks adjusted by Salt Lake City's cost-of-living index (103). Open a case type for its full Salt Lake City fee breakdown.
| Case type | How it’s billed | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felony Defense | Flat fee | $3,600 | $10,300 | $30,850 |
| Divorce | Flat fee | $2,050 | $7,700 | $20,600 |
| Immigration | Flat fee | $510 | $3,600 | $15,450 |
| Real Estate | Flat fee | $820 | $1,550 | $3,600 |
| Probate | Flat fee | $1,550 | $4,650 | $15,450 |
| Car Accidents | Contingency | $2,050 | $6,150 | $15,450 |
| Personal Injury | Contingency | $3,100 | $10,300 | $30,850 |
| Patent | Flat fee | $5,150 | $10,300 | $18,500 |
| Estate Planning | Flat fee | $510 | $2,050 | $5,150 |
| DUI | Flat fee | $1,550 | $4,100 | $10,300 |
| Child Support | Hourly | $1,050 | $3,600 | $10,300 |
| Criminal Defense | Flat fee | $1,550 | $5,150 | $15,450 |
| Child Custody | Hourly | $2,050 | $8,250 | $25,750 |
| H-1B Visa | Flat fee | $2,050 | $3,600 | $6,150 |
| Trademark | Flat fee | $620 | $1,250 | $2,550 |
| Living Trust | Flat fee | $1,250 | $2,550 | $5,150 |
| Traffic Ticket | Flat fee | $100 | $310 | $770 |
| Family Law | Hourly | $1,550 | $7,200 | $20,600 |
| Speeding Ticket | Flat fee | $100 | $310 | $770 |
| Bankruptcy | Flat fee | $1,050 | $2,050 | $4,650 |
| Premises Liability | Contingency | $5,650 | $18,000 | $82,300 |
| Pedestrian Accident | Contingency | $3,600 | $12,350 | $41,150 |
| Chapter 7 | Flat fee | $1,050 | $1,550 | $2,550 |
| Traffic Violation | Flat fee | $100 | $310 | $770 |
| Clemency | Flat fee | $2,050 | $6,150 | $15,450 |
| Bicycle Accident | Contingency | $2,550 | $8,250 | $25,750 |
| Medicaid Planning | Flat fee | $3,100 | $6,700 | $15,450 |
| Adoption | Flat fee | $1,550 | $5,150 | $15,450 |
| Medical Malpractice | Contingency | $25,750 | $102,900 | $360,150 |
| Expungement | Flat fee | $510 | $1,550 | $4,100 |
| Workers Compensation | Contingency | $1,550 | $4,100 | $10,300 |
| SSDI | Contingency | $2,050 | $4,100 | $9,450 |
| Uncontested Divorce | Flat fee | $510 | $1,250 | $2,550 |
| Uber Accident | Contingency | $3,100 | $9,250 | $33,950 |
| Tax | Hourly | $1,550 | $5,150 | $15,450 |
| Rideshare Accident | Contingency | $3,100 | $9,250 | $33,950 |
| Eviction | Flat fee | $510 | $1,250 | $3,100 |
| Employment | Contingency | $2,550 | $10,300 | $41,150 |
| Small Claims | Flat fee | $100 | $510 | $1,550 |
| Bus Accident | Contingency | $4,100 | $12,350 | $46,300 |
| Pardon | Flat fee | $1,550 | $5,150 | $15,450 |
| Disability | Contingency | $2,050 | $4,100 | $9,450 |
| Chapter 13 | Flat fee | $3,100 | $4,100 | $6,150 |
| Drunk Driving Accident | Contingency | $4,100 | $15,450 | $61,750 |
| Defense | Flat fee | $1,550 | $5,150 | $15,450 |
| Prenuptial Agreement | Flat fee | $1,050 | $2,550 | $7,700 |
| Auto Dealer Fraud | Contingency | $2,550 | $7,700 | $25,750 |
| Guardianship | Flat fee | $1,550 | $4,100 | $12,350 |
| Closing | Flat fee | $720 | $1,250 | $2,550 |
| Social Security | Contingency | $2,050 | $4,100 | $9,450 |
| Business | Hourly | $1,550 | $6,150 | $25,750 |
| Construction Accident | Contingency | $12,350 | $51,450 | $205,800 |
| Alimony | Hourly | $3,100 | $9,250 | $25,750 |
| Domestic Violence | Flat fee | $1,550 | $4,100 | $12,350 |
| Green Card | Flat fee | $2,050 | $4,100 | $8,250 |
| Business Litigation | Hourly | $15,450 | $61,750 | $257,250 |
| Police Misconduct | Contingency | $8,250 | $41,150 | $257,250 |
| K-1 Visa | Flat fee | $1,550 | $2,550 | $4,100 |
| Foreclosure | Flat fee | $1,550 | $3,600 | $7,700 |
| Annulment | Flat fee | $1,050 | $3,100 | $10,300 |
| Sexual Abuse | Contingency | $20,600 | $87,450 | $411,600 |
| Juvenile | Flat fee | $1,550 | $3,600 | $10,300 |
| Debt Settlement | Contingency | $1,050 | $3,100 | $8,250 |
| Bad Faith Insurance | Contingency | $8,250 | $30,850 | $128,650 |
| Lemon Law | Contingency | $2,050 | $5,150 | $15,450 |
| Divorce Mediation | Hourly | $2,550 | $5,650 | $12,350 |
| Unpaid Wages | Contingency | $2,050 | $8,250 | $36,000 |
| Non-Compete Agreement | Flat fee | $510 | $2,550 | $51,450 |
| Consumer Protection | Contingency | $2,050 | $5,150 | $15,450 |
| Life Insurance Denial | Contingency | $8,250 | $51,450 | $205,800 |
| Personal Loan | Hourly | $510 | $2,050 | $5,150 |
| Hostile Work Environment | Contingency | $4,100 | $15,450 | $66,900 |
| Wrongful Death | Contingency | $15,450 | $61,750 | $257,250 |
| Age Discrimination | Contingency | $5,150 | $20,600 | $87,450 |
| Construction Defect | Hourly | $8,250 | $46,300 | $205,800 |
| Elder Law | Hourly | $1,550 | $5,150 | $12,350 |
| Restraining Order | Flat fee | $1,050 | $2,550 | $7,700 |
| Debt Collection Defense | Flat fee | $510 | $1,550 | $5,150 |
| Visitation | Hourly | $1,550 | $5,150 | $20,600 |
| Brain Injury | Contingency | $20,600 | $118,350 | $514,500 |
| Power of Attorney | Flat fee | $210 | $410 | $1,050 |
| Birth Injury | Contingency | $102,900 | $463,050 | $1,543,500 |
| CPS Defense | Hourly | $2,550 | $7,700 | $25,750 |
| White Collar Crime | Hourly | $15,450 | $77,200 | $411,600 |
| Wrongful Termination | Contingency | $3,100 | $12,350 | $46,300 |
| Tenant | Hourly | $1,050 | $2,550 | $6,150 |
| EB-2 NIW | Flat fee | $4,100 | $7,200 | $12,350 |
| O-1 Visa | Flat fee | $3,600 | $6,150 | $10,300 |
| Name Change | Flat fee | $310 | $770 | $2,550 |
| F-1 Student Visa | Flat fee | $770 | $1,850 | $5,150 |
| Misdemeanor | Flat fee | $770 | $1,550 | $3,600 |
| Gun Charges | Flat fee | $1,550 | $6,150 | $77,200 |
| Chapter 11 | Hourly | $25,750 | $77,200 | $411,600 |
| Citizenship | Flat fee | $510 | $1,050 | $2,550 |
| Severance Agreement | Flat fee | $510 | $1,250 | $5,150 |
| LLC Formation | Flat fee | $510 | $1,250 | $2,550 |
| Emancipation | Flat fee | $1,150 | $2,350 | $5,550 |
| House Purchase | Flat fee | $820 | $1,350 | $2,550 |
| Arbitration | Hourly | $6,700 | $28,800 | $97,750 |
| IRS Audit | Hourly | $1,050 | $4,650 | $20,600 |
| CDL Ticket | Flat fee | $410 | $930 | $2,550 |
| Truck Accident | Contingency | $5,150 | $16,450 | $51,450 |
| Defamation | Hourly | $5,150 | $15,450 | $51,450 |
| SSI | Contingency | $1,050 | $3,100 | $9,450 |
| Surrogacy | Flat fee | $3,600 | $8,250 | $15,450 |
| Probation Violation | Flat fee | $1,050 | $2,550 | $7,700 |
| HOA | Hourly | $1,550 | $4,100 | $10,300 |
| Reckless Driving | Flat fee | $1,050 | $2,550 | $5,150 |
| Suspended License | Flat fee | $770 | $1,800 | $3,100 |
| Asylum | Flat fee | $3,100 | $6,150 | $15,450 |
| Franchise | Hourly | $2,050 | $7,700 | $61,750 |
| Court-Martial Defense | Flat fee | $9,250 | $32,950 | $133,750 |
| EB-5 Visa | Flat fee | $12,350 | $25,750 | $51,450 |
| Discharge Upgrade | Flat fee | $1,550 | $4,100 | $10,300 |
| Copyright | Flat fee | $310 | $1,550 | $7,700 |
| ERISA | Contingency | $3,100 | $15,450 | $77,200 |
| Driving Without a License | Flat fee | $260 | $620 | $1,550 |
| Marriage Green Card | Flat fee | $1,550 | $3,100 | $7,700 |
| Hit and Run Accident | Contingency | $2,550 | $8,250 | $30,850 |
| Overtime | Contingency | $2,550 | $9,250 | $41,150 |
| Timeshare Exit | Flat fee | $1,550 | $4,650 | $15,450 |
| Fraud Defense | Flat fee | $2,550 | $7,700 | $25,750 |
| Civil Lawsuit | Hourly | $3,100 | $15,450 | $51,450 |
| Irrevocable Trust | Flat fee | $2,550 | $6,150 | $15,450 |
| VAWA Self-Petition | Flat fee | $2,450 | $4,950 | $9,800 |
| Property Tax Appeal | Contingency | $150 | $510 | $2,050 |
| Slip and Fall | Contingency | $4,100 | $12,350 | $41,150 |
| Special Education | Hourly | $2,050 | $7,700 | $25,750 |
| Entertainment | Hourly | $770 | $3,600 | $25,750 |
| EB-1 Visa | Flat fee | $5,150 | $9,250 | $16,450 |
| Special Needs Trust | Flat fee | $2,050 | $4,650 | $10,300 |
| Student Loan | Flat fee | $770 | $2,550 | $8,250 |
| Civil Rights Violation | Contingency | $5,150 | $25,750 | $154,350 |
| Immigration Bond | Flat fee | $1,550 | $3,100 | $6,150 |
| Motorcycle Accident | Contingency | $3,100 | $9,250 | $30,850 |
| Dog Attack Injury | Contingency | $3,100 | $10,300 | $30,850 |
| Insurance Claim | Contingency | $2,050 | $7,700 | $25,750 |
| Discrimination | Contingency | $3,100 | $12,350 | $46,300 |
| Professional License Defense | Hourly | $2,550 | $8,250 | $25,750 |
| Commercial Real Estate | Hourly | $2,550 | $9,250 | $46,300 |
| Intellectual Property | Flat fee | $510 | $2,550 | $15,450 |
| U Visa | Flat fee | $3,500 | $6,600 | $13,400 |
| Security Clearance | Flat fee | $2,550 | $7,700 | $20,600 |
| Deportation | Hourly | $3,100 | $8,250 | $20,600 |
| Mesothelioma | Contingency | $51,450 | $360,150 | $1,029,000 |
| Trust Administration | Hourly | $2,550 | $6,150 | $20,600 |
| Shoplifting | Flat fee | $770 | $1,550 | $4,100 |
| Startup | Flat fee | $2,550 | $7,700 | $30,850 |
| Burglary | Flat fee | $3,600 | $9,250 | $25,750 |
| E-2 Visa | Flat fee | $3,600 | $6,150 | $10,300 |
| Partnership Dispute | Hourly | $20,600 | $77,200 | $308,700 |
| Mediation | Hourly | $1,550 | $5,150 | $15,450 |
| Postnuptial Agreement | Flat fee | $1,050 | $3,100 | $9,250 |
| Dental Malpractice | Contingency | $8,250 | $27,800 | $113,200 |
| Property Damage | Contingency | $1,550 | $6,150 | $20,600 |
| Product Liability | Contingency | $15,450 | $61,750 | $257,250 |
| Breach of Contract | Hourly | $3,100 | $20,600 | $77,200 |
| Health Insurance Denial | Hourly | $770 | $3,600 | $15,450 |
| Criminal Appeal | Flat fee | $7,700 | $20,600 | $51,450 |
| Paternity | Hourly | $1,050 | $3,100 | $12,350 |
| Debt Collector Harassment | Contingency | $1,550 | $4,100 | $15,450 |
| Boundary Dispute | Hourly | $2,550 | $12,350 | $46,300 |
| Corporate | Hourly | $3,600 | $12,350 | $61,750 |
| Title IX | Flat fee | $3,300 | $11,850 | $35,000 |
| Whistleblower | Contingency | $5,150 | $20,600 | $102,900 |
| Legal Malpractice | Contingency | $10,300 | $41,150 | $154,350 |
| Quiet Title | Flat fee | $1,550 | $4,100 | $25,750 |
| Construction | Hourly | $3,600 | $25,750 | $154,350 |
| Immigration Waiver | Flat fee | $2,550 | $5,150 | $10,300 |
| Asset Protection | Flat fee | $3,100 | $8,250 | $25,750 |
| Federal Criminal Defense | Flat fee | $10,300 | $36,000 | $154,350 |
| Assault | Flat fee | $1,550 | $4,100 | $15,450 |
| Contract Review | Flat fee | $310 | $820 | $3,100 |
| Landlord | Hourly | $770 | $3,100 | $15,450 |
| Unemployment Appeal | Flat fee | $510 | $1,250 | $3,600 |
| Legal Separation | Hourly | $2,550 | $8,250 | $25,750 |
| Deed Transfer | Flat fee | $260 | $620 | $1,850 |
| L-1 Visa | Flat fee | $3,100 | $5,650 | $9,250 |
| Security Deposit | Flat fee | $410 | $1,050 | $3,100 |
| Custody Modification | Hourly | $1,850 | $6,150 | $22,650 |
| Work Permit | Flat fee | $460 | $980 | $2,250 |
| Employment Contract | Flat fee | $620 | $1,650 | $4,650 |
| Civil Appeal | Flat fee | $8,250 | $22,650 | $61,750 |
| Contested Divorce | Hourly | $10,300 | $20,600 | $51,450 |
| Wage Garnishment | Flat fee | $410 | $1,300 | $3,600 |
| Stepparent Adoption | Flat fee | $1,550 | $2,550 | $8,250 |
| Mergers and Acquisitions | Hourly | $7,700 | $25,750 | $102,900 |
| Retaliation | Contingency | $4,650 | $16,450 | $72,050 |
| Murder | Flat fee | $25,750 | $77,200 | $257,250 |
| DACA | Flat fee | $510 | $1,250 | $3,100 |
| Mass Tort | Contingency | $8,250 | $36,000 | $154,350 |
| Will Contest | Hourly | $6,150 | $25,750 | $102,900 |
| Loan Modification | Flat fee | $770 | $2,050 | $5,150 |
| Business Sale | Flat fee | $4,100 | $9,800 | $30,850 |
| Nonprofit Formation | Flat fee | $1,550 | $3,850 | $8,750 |
| Will | Flat fee | $150 | $410 | $1,050 |
| Drug Possession | Flat fee | $1,550 | $4,100 | $15,450 |
| Theft | Flat fee | $1,050 | $3,600 | $12,350 |
| House Sale | Flat fee | $820 | $1,450 | $2,550 |
| Tax Debt Relief | Flat fee | $1,050 | $3,600 | $10,300 |
| Disability Discrimination | Contingency | $3,600 | $14,400 | $61,750 |
| Commercial Lease | Flat fee | $1,250 | $3,600 | $12,350 |
| Bail Hearing | Flat fee | $820 | $2,300 | $5,150 |
| Credit Report Errors | Contingency | $3,100 | $7,700 | $28,800 |
| Removal of Conditions | Flat fee | $1,050 | $2,250 | $6,150 |
| Family-Based Petition | Flat fee | $930 | $1,850 | $4,100 |
| Hurricane Damage Claim | Contingency | $3,600 | $13,400 | $46,300 |
| VA Disability | Contingency | $1,550 | $5,150 | $15,450 |
| Long-Term Disability | Contingency | $2,550 | $8,250 | $25,750 |
| Nursing Home Abuse | Contingency | $15,450 | $61,750 | $205,800 |
| Sexual Harassment | Contingency | $5,150 | $18,500 | $77,200 |
| Spinal Cord Injury | Contingency | $30,850 | $154,350 | $771,750 |
| Elder Abuse | Contingency | $12,350 | $43,200 | $144,050 |
| Drug Trafficking | Flat fee | $12,350 | $41,150 | $180,100 |
| Child Support Modification | Flat fee | $930 | $2,450 | $7,000 |
| Sex Crime Defense | Flat fee | $14,400 | $49,400 | $195,500 |
| Military Pension Division | Flat fee | $2,400 | $5,900 | $17,750 |
Felony defense lawyer fees in other Utah cities
Compare local felony defense attorney fees across Utah.
FAQs - Felony defense attorney fees in Salt Lake City
Felony defense lawyer fees in Salt Lake City average about $10,300, with a typical range of $3,600 to $30,850. That is roughly 103% of the U.S. average, adjusted for the local cost of living.
Salt Lake City's cost-of-living index is about 103% of the national average, so felony defense attorney fees here tend to run 3% higher than the U.S. norm.
The figures here are local averages. For a number tied to your specific situation, request a free match with a felony defense attorney in Salt Lake City, or enter your ZIP code for a more precise estimate.
We take the national benchmark for felony defense cases and adjust it by Salt Lake City's cost-of-living index — about 103% of the U.S. average — giving a local Low, Average, and High of $3,600, $10,300, and $30,850.
Salt Lake City averages about $10,300 for felony defense lawyer fees, compared with roughly $10,300 across Utah and $10,000 nationally.
Many felony defense attorneys in Salt Lake City offer a free initial consultation to review your case before you commit. Check each firm's listing above for details.
Look for a Salt Lake City attorney who regularly handles felony defense cases, check reviews and their standing with the Utah state bar, and use free consultations to compare a few before you decide.
Attorney fees pay for the lawyer's time and skill, while case costs are separate out-of-pocket expenses such as filing fees, records, and expert witnesses. In a Salt Lake City felony defense matter, always confirm how the costs are handled alongside the fee.
In Salt Lake City, felony defense lawyer fees are typically paid as a single flat fee agreed up front. Case costs are usually billed separately from the fee.
For most felony defense matters, yes — the right attorney can improve your outcome by more than the fee, and many work on terms that limit your risk. Use a free Salt Lake City consultation to weigh it for your situation.
ZIP codes covered
These Salt Lake City felony defense fee estimates span ZIP code 84101.
Last updated Oct 1, 2026 · Fee figures are local averages for informational purposes only and are not legal advice or a quote. See how we estimate fees.