Quick answer
In New Zealand, criminal lawyers typically charge $200 – $500 per hour. Common fixed-fee work is shown below. 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 | Typical NZ fee |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $200 – $500/hr |
| Duty lawyer (first appearance) available at every District Court | Free |
| Guilty plea — minor matter (Category 1–2) | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Defended hearing — District Court | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Jury trial — Category 3 | $15,000 – $50,000+ |
Ranges reflect typical NZ market pricing observed across published firm fee guides and Ministry of Justice / NZ Law Society published rates (e.g. court filing fees). Individual firms vary widely. Always get a written engagement letter under Rule 3 of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Conduct & Client Care) Rules 2008 before instructing.
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.
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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.
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
Information only — not legal advice. Fees vary by firm, region and matter complexity. Always obtain a written engagement letter under Rule 3 of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Lawyers: Conduct and Client Care) Rules 2008 before instructing.