Quick answer
We estimate criminal lawyers in New Zealand charge roughly $200 – $500 per hour. Estimated fees for common fixed-fee work are below; they are not quotes, and individual firms vary widely. Legal aid: Criminal legal aid is widely available, especially for Category 3 and 4 offences. Eligibility is based on income, but for serious matters the threshold is relaxed.
Typical criminal law fees
| Service | Estimated NZ fee |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $200 – $500/hr estimate |
| Duty lawyer (first appearance) available at every District Court | Free |
| Guilty plea — minor matter (Category 1–2) | $1,500 – $3,500estimate |
| Defended hearing — District Court | $5,000 – $15,000estimate |
| Jury trial — Category 3 | $15,000 – $50,000+estimate |
Where these figures come from
Lawyer fee ranges are LawyerFinder estimates, compiled in May 2026 and reviewed in October 2026. They are not drawn from a survey, and the New Zealand Law Society does not publish fee scales. Government fees and legal rules are checked against the official source cited beside them. Compiled 30 May 2026; reviewed 14 October 2026. Lawyers other than barristers sole must tell you in writing, in advance, the basis on which they will charge fees (Conduct and Client Care Rules 2008, rule 3.4); ask for a written estimate too.
What drives the cost
- • Category of offence and maximum penalty
- • Plea (guilty plea + sentence indication is much cheaper than defended hearing)
- • Number of charges and complainants
- • Whether expert evidence is needed
Legal aid
Criminal legal aid is widely available, especially for Category 3 and 4 offences. Eligibility is based on income, but for serious matters the threshold is relaxed. Apply via your lawyer or the Ministry of Justice — see justice.govt.nz.
Get a written criminal law fee estimate
Answer a few quick questions and ask a lawyer or firm for a written estimate. Free to use, no obligation.
Pick the matter that fits your situation:
Not sure which one? Pick the closest — we'll route it to a lawyer who handles your specific issue.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a criminal lawyer cost in NZ? ▾
A guilty plea on a minor matter is commonly $1,500 – $3,500. A defended District Court hearing runs $5,000 – $15,000. Category 3 jury trials start at $15,000 and can exceed $50,000. The duty lawyer scheme covers first appearances at no cost.
Can I get legal aid for a criminal charge? ▾
Yes — criminal legal aid covers most charges where imprisonment is possible. For Category 3 and 4 offences (jury-triable) the income threshold is relaxed. Apply through your lawyer or the Ministry of Justice.
What is the duty lawyer scheme? ▾
Free legal advice and representation at your first court appearance, available at every NZ District Court. The duty lawyer can apply for bail, take a guilty plea, or request an adjournment to instruct your own lawyer.
Sources
Legislation and government fee pages checked 14 October 2026. The lawyer-fee ranges above are our estimates and have no external source.
Deeper guide: Read the full criminal law cost breakdown for worked examples, regional variation and pricing-question scripts to use when calling a lawyer.
Related
What other legal work costs
Information only — not legal advice. Fees vary by firm, region and matter complexity. Before instructing, expect the written fee information required by rule 3.4 of the Conduct and Client Care Rules 2008.