Do criminal defense attorneys usually take payment plans?

Do criminal defense attorneys usually take payment plans? If not, what are other methods that clients use to pay? I can't afford to pay everything up front.
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Answered By: Jacob P. Sartz IV., Attorney at Law
Most attorneys provide free initial consultations. Some defense attorneys may have more "flexible" billing arrangements that would allow them to accept different types of payments. In some situation, people are able to barter personal property (jewelry, watches, etc.), real property (interest in plots of land), or job skills (especially builders or other skilled tradesmen) for legal services. However, these policies vary significantly depending on the lawyer. Generally, bigger firms only accept cash or credit. However, it is certainly worth a free phone call to see what you could potentially work out.

Answer Applies to: Michigan
Replied: 11/1/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Reeves Law Firm, P.C.
Lawyers are like any other business, the decision to take payments or not take payments is up to the individual lawyer.

Answer Applies to: Texas
Replied: 10/12/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Cynthia Henley, Lawyer
It is up to each individual lawyer but most take a substantial retainer fee (substantial based on the total fee - often about 1/2) and then have a contract for payments for the balance.

Answer Applies to: Texas
Replied: 10/6/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Mark Thiessen, Attorney at Law
Certainly they can, but it's up to the attorney. See if you can get a loan from a bank or give them something as collateral.

Answer Applies to: Texas
Replied: 10/6/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

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