How Much Does a Felony Cost?

A felony charge doesn’t just come with the risk of prison time—it comes with a high financial cost, too. From court fees to legal representation, bail, lost wages, and long-term consequences, being charged with a felony in California can be an overwhelming and expensive experience. And while the emotional toll is often hard to quantify, the financial burden is something many people don’t fully anticipate until they’re in the middle of the legal process.

If you’re wondering, how much does a felony cost? —the answer varies widely depending on the type of charge, the complexity of your case, and the penalties imposed. However, understanding the general categories of expenses can help you prepare, protect your rights, and seek help from qualified legal counsel before costs spiral out of control.

Hiring an experienced attorney is one of the most important—and often most significant—costs of fighting a felony charge. The complexity of felony cases typically requires more time, resources, and courtroom appearances than misdemeanor cases.

People often begin searching for a criminal attorney near me or felony lawyers near me when facing charges like assault, drug offenses, or fraud. Attorney fees can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands depending on:

• The seriousness of the charge
• Whether the case goes to trial
• The attorney’s experience and reputation
• Geographic location and court procedures

While these fees may seem steep, working with a skilled lawyer can often mean the difference between a conviction and a dismissed or reduced charge—saving you money and protecting your future in the long run.

Bail is the amount set by the court to secure your release while awaiting trial. Felony bail amounts can range from $10,000 to over $100,000 depending on the nature of the charge. If you go through a bail bondsman, you typically pay 10% of the total amount as a non-refundable fee.

Even if you’re released on your own recognizance, the process of posting bail often adds unexpected pressure to your finances.

The court may impose various fees throughout your legal proceedings, including:

• Court filing and processing fees
• Probation supervision fees
• Mandatory victim restitution
• State or local penalty assessments
• Fines related to the specific felony offense

For example, a felony drug conviction may come with thousands of dollars in fines. If the felony involves driving, you could also face DMV-related penalties, which is why some cases may require help from a traffic violation lawyer or DWI lawyer in addition to your criminal defense attorney.

Sometimes the court allows or requires you to participate in treatment or diversion programs. While these can be alternatives to jail, they may come with their own costs, such as:

• Substance abuse counseling
• Anger management classes
• Community service monitoring fees
• Electronic ankle monitoring
• Urine testing and lab fees

If your felony is connected to an incident like a DUI or domestic dispute, you may also need to work with a drunk driving lawyer , reckless driving attorney , or domestic assault lawyer who can coordinate with the court and ensure you’re meeting all conditions in a timely and affordable manner.

Being arrested, incarcerated, or even just navigating court proceedings can interfere with your ability to work. You may need to take unpaid leave, risk losing your job, or pass up new opportunities.

Additionally, many felony convictions carry long-term employment consequences, making it difficult to pass background checks or qualify for professional licenses—even years after your case is closed.

Even after your legal case is resolved, the financial impact of a felony conviction can follow you. You may experience:

• Difficulty finding housing
• Higher insurance premiums (especially after driving-related offenses)
• Ineligibility for loans or public assistance programs
• Damage to your reputation, which can limit career advancement

If your charge involves violence, drugs, or assault, it can also influence custody rights or future legal matters. Working with the right criminal defense lawyers near me helps limit these long-term costs by building the strongest defense possible.

Some people hesitate to invest in experienced legal representation due to the upfront cost. But failing to have an attorney who understands the local court system and your rights can cost significantly more in the long run.

For example, if you’re charged with felony assault and you don’t have a strong defense from an assault and battery lawyer , you may face the harshest penalties available. Similarly, if you’re facing felony drug charges, a drug defense lawyer near me may be able to negotiate a lesser charge or alternative sentencing—saving you thousands of dollars and keeping a felony off your record.

If you’re in Northern California, working with a Northern California Criminal Defense Attorney who understands local prosecutors, judges, and sentencing options gives you a better chance of securing the best possible outcome.

Legal experience matters—especially when it comes to felony charges. Finding a Top Criminal Defense Attorney in Northern California can save you time, money, and future hardship by navigating the system effectively and advocating on your behalf.

A knowledgeable defense attorney can:

• Evaluate your case for errors or violations
• Fight to reduce or dismiss charges
• Negotiate favorable plea deals
• Minimize fines and fees
• Protect your record and reputation

You don’t have to face the system alone—and you shouldn’t, especially when the stakes are this high.

The cost of a felony goes far beyond legal fees—it can impact every area of your life. But the earlier you act, the more control you have over the outcome. Whether you’re dealing with a felony charge related to drugs, assault, DUI, or other offenses, the right legal strategy can help protect your freedom and your financial future.

Call 530-241-2734 or send a message today to schedule a confidential consultation with a dedicated criminal defense attorney in Northern California.

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