Criminal lawyer fees in New Zealand

Free help to know about first

• If the police arrest or detain you, Police Detention Legal Assistance gives you free, confidential advice from a lawyer, day or night, whether or not you can afford one.
• At your first court appearance, a Duty Lawyer can help for free if you don't have your own lawyer. There's no means test. Duty Lawyers usually can't act for you after that first day.

Criminal legal aid

If you're charged and can't afford a lawyer, you may get criminal legal aid. The Duty Lawyer can help you apply. Legal aid lawyers include the Public Defence Service in many courts.

How private fees usually work

A guilty plea and sentencing is often charged as a fixed fee. A defended hearing or jury trial costs much more and is often charged in stages or by the hour. Ask for an estimate for each stage before you commit.

Your right to know the costs up front

New Zealand lawyers must give you written information before they start work, including the basis on which their fees will be charged and when payment is due. Fees must be fair and reasonable. If you're unhappy with a bill, raise it with the lawyer first; you can then contact the Law Society's Lawyers Complaints Service.

Questions to ask first

• Is this a fixed fee or hourly? If hourly, what is the rate and roughly how many hours do you expect?
• What is included, and what would cost extra?
• Which costs are disbursements or official fees, and roughly how much are they?
• How often will I be billed, and can I get an update on costs as we go?

Free and low-cost help in New Zealand

• Community Law Centres give free legal help throughout New Zealand.
• You may be eligible for legal aid through the Ministry of Justice.

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