How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Make? (2023)
Introduction
As of 2023, the median salary for a criminal lawyer in the United States is $126,930 per year. However, the actual salary that a criminal lawyer can expect to earn will vary depending on a number of factors, including their experience, location, and the type of cases they handle.
Factors Affecting Criminal Lawyer Salary
There are a number of factors that can affect the salary of a criminal lawyer, including:
- Experience: Criminal lawyers with more experience typically earn higher salaries than those with less experience. This is because they have a greater understanding of the law and more skills and experience in handling complex cases.
- Location: The cost of living in a particular area can also affect the salary of a criminal lawyer. Criminal lawyers in high-cost areas, such as New York City or San Francisco, typically earn higher salaries than those in lower-cost areas.
- Type of cases handled: The type of cases that a criminal lawyer handles can also affect their salary. Criminal lawyers who handle high-profile cases or cases that require a lot of research and preparation typically earn higher salaries than those who handle more routine cases.
The Average Salary for Criminal Lawyers by Experience
The following table shows the average salary for criminal lawyers by experience level:
| Experience Level | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level | $50,000 - $75,000 |
| Mid-level | $75,000 - $100,000 |
| Senior-level | $100,000 - $150,000 |
| Partner | $150,000 - $250,000+ |
The Average Salary for Criminal Lawyers by Location
The following table shows the average salary for criminal lawyers by location:
| Location | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| New York City | $150,000 - $200,000 |
| San Francisco | $140,000 - $180,000 |
| Los Angeles | $130,000 - $170,000 |
| Chicago | $120,000 - $160,000 |
| Houston | $110,000 - $150,000 |
The Average Salary for Criminal Lawyers by Type of Cases Handled
The following table shows the average salary for criminal lawyers by type of cases handled:
| Type of Cases | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| White-collar crime | $150,000 - $200,000 |
| Drug crimes | $120,000 - $160,000 |
| Violent crimes | $100,000 - $140,000 |
| Sex crimes | $90,000 - $130,000 |
| DUI | $80,000 - $120,000 |
Additional Sources of Income for Criminal Lawyers
In addition to their base salary, criminal lawyers may also earn additional income from:
- Contingency fees: Criminal lawyers who work on a contingency fee basis typically receive a percentage of the amount that their client recovers in a settlement or verdict.
- Hourly fees: Criminal lawyers who work on an hourly fee basis typically charge a set rate for their services.
- Bonuses: Criminal lawyers may receive bonuses if they meet certain performance goals, such as bringing in a certain number of new clients or winning a certain number of cases.
Conclusion
The salary of a criminal lawyer can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including their experience, location, and the type of cases they handle. However, criminal lawyers can earn a good living by providing essential legal services to those who need them.
Resources
- ABA Guide to the Law of Lawyering
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- American Bar Association