Morgan & Morgan is a personal injury and criminal defense firm with offices across the United States

Morgan & Morgan operates as a law firm that handles both personal injury cases and criminal defense matters. The firm has multiple office locations and employs attorneys licensed in various states. If you are looking for criminal defense representation, understanding how law firms work and what to expect from the process will help you make an informed decision about your options.

A criminal defense attorney's role is to represent you in criminal proceedings — whether that means negotiating with prosecutors, preparing for trial, or advising you on your rights and the consequences of different decisions. Morgan & Morgan is one option among many law firms that offer these services. Like any attorney you consider, you should understand their experience, how they charge for representation, and whether they handle the specific type of case you face.

Key Takeaways

  • Morgan & Morgan is a multi-state law firm that handles criminal defense cases alongside personal injury work, with offices in multiple locations.
  • Criminal defense attorneys represent people accused of crimes and help navigate plea negotiations, trial preparation, and sentencing.
  • Law firms charge for criminal defense work in different ways — some use flat fees, hourly rates, or payment plans depending on the case type and firm policy.
  • When choosing any criminal defense attorney, ask about their experience with cases like yours, their track record, and what the total cost will be.
  • You have the right to representation, and if you cannot afford an attorney, you can request a public defender through the court.

What a criminal defense attorney does

A criminal defense attorney represents you from the moment you are arrested or charged through trial, sentencing, or appeal. Their job is to protect your legal rights, explain the charges and possible outcomes, and build the strongest defense available under the facts and law of your case.

In practice, this means reviewing police reports and evidence, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution's case, negotiating with prosecutors about reduced charges or sentences, preparing witnesses, and presenting your defense in court if the case goes to trial. An attorney also advises you on whether to accept a plea offer or proceed to trial — a decision that carries serious consequences and should never be made without legal counsel.

Criminal defense is different from personal injury law, though Morgan & Morgan handles both. In a criminal case, the government is the opposing party, and the stakes include jail time, fines, probation, and a criminal record. In a personal injury case, you are suing another person or business for money damages. The skills overlap, but the courtroom dynamics and outcomes are distinct.

How to learn about Morgan & Morgan handles your type of case

Morgan & Morgan has offices in multiple states, but not every office handles every type of criminal case. Some law firms focus on specific charges — drug offenses, DUI, white-collar crimes, violent felonies — while others take a broader range of cases. Before contacting the firm, you should know what you are charged with or what you expect to be charged with.

You can visit the firm's website or call a local office to ask whether they handle cases like yours. Be prepared to describe the charge, the jurisdiction (the county and state where the case is filed), and whether you have already been arrested or charged. The office staff can tell you whether an attorney is available to discuss your situation and what the next steps would be.

If Morgan & Morgan does not handle your type of case or does not have availability, ask for a referral to another firm. Many attorneys maintain networks of colleagues and can point you toward someone with the right experience.

What criminal defense costs and how payment typically works

Criminal defense fees vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, the attorney's experience, and the jurisdiction. Some attorneys charge an hourly rate (often $150 to $500 per hour or more, depending on experience and location). Others charge a flat fee for certain types of cases, such as a DUI defense or a misdemeanor plea. Still others use a combination — a retainer upfront plus hourly billing for work beyond that.

When you contact an attorney or law firm, ask directly: What is your fee structure? What does the fee cover? Are there additional costs (court fees, informed witnesses, investigators)? What happens if the case takes longer than expected? Some firms offer payment plans so you do not have to pay the entire fee upfront.

If you cannot afford an attorney, you have a right to request a public defender. The court will appoint one at no cost to you if your income falls below a threshold set by your state or county. Public defenders are licensed attorneys with criminal law experience, though they typically carry heavier caseloads than private attorneys.

Questions to ask any criminal defense attorney before hiring

Before you hire Morgan & Morgan or any other firm, you should have a conversation with the attorney who would handle your case. This conversation serves two purposes: it gives the attorney information about your situation, and it gives you information about whether they are a good fit for you.

Ask about their experience with cases like yours — how many similar cases have they handled, what were the outcomes, and how long have they been practicing criminal defense? Ask what they think about your case based on what you have told them so far. Ask what the likely timeline is, what the next steps are, and what you should and should not do while the case is pending. Ask about communication — how often will they update you, and how can you reach them if you have questions?

Also ask about the fee structure in detail, including what happens if the case goes to trial instead of settling with a plea, and whether there are any circumstances under which the fee could increase. A good attorney will answer these questions directly and will not pressure you to hire them on the spot.

The difference between a public defender and a private attorney

If you cannot afford a private attorney, the court will appoint a public defender at no cost. Public defenders are state or county employees who handle criminal cases full-time. They know the local courts, judges, and prosecutors, and many have significant trial experience.

The main trade-off is caseload. Public defenders often carry 100 or more cases at a time, which means less individual attention per case than a private attorney with a smaller practice might provide. However, a busy public defender with deep local experience may be more effective in your case than a private attorney who rarely appears in that courthouse.

You do not have to choose between these options when ready. You can request a public defender at your first court appearance. If you later decide you want to hire a private attorney, you can ask the court to allow you to do so. Conversely, if you hire a private attorney and later cannot afford to continue, you can ask the court to appoint a public defender.

What happens after you hire an attorney

Once you hire an attorney, they become your representative in all communications with the court and prosecution. You should not speak directly to police, prosecutors, or investigators without your attorney present — anything you say can be used against you in court.

Your attorney will obtain copies of the police report, evidence, and any witness statements. They will review these materials and advise you on your options: proceed to trial, negotiate a plea, or explore other resolutions depending on the charges and circumstances. This process can take weeks or months depending on the complexity of the case and the court's schedule.

Throughout this time, you should stay in close contact with your attorney, follow their information about what to do and not do, and be honest with them about the facts of your case. Attorney-client conversations are confidential, meaning your attorney cannot disclose what you tell them without your permission (with narrow exceptions for imminent harm).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Morgan & Morgan have offices near me?

Morgan & Morgan has multiple office locations across the United States, but not in every state or city. Visit their website or search for "Morgan & Morgan criminal defense" plus your state or city name to find the nearest office. You can also call their main number and ask whether they have a location that serves your area.

What if I cannot afford a criminal defense attorney?

You have the right to request a public defender at your first court appearance. The court will appoint one at no cost if your income is below the threshold set by your state or county. Public defenders are licensed attorneys experienced in criminal law, though they typically handle more cases than private attorneys.

Can I change attorneys if I am not satisfied?

Yes. If you hired a private attorney, you can fire them and hire someone else, though you may lose any fees you have already paid. If you have a public defender and want to hire a private attorney, you can ask the court for permission. If you have a private attorney and want to switch to a public defender, you can ask the court to appoint one.

What should I do if I am arrested?

Do not answer questions from police without an attorney present. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Tell the officer you want to speak to a lawyer, then stop talking. Contact a criminal defense attorney or request a public defender at your first court appearance, which must happen within 24 to 72 hours of arrest depending on your state.

How long does a criminal case usually take?

The timeline depends on the charge, the court's schedule, and whether the case goes to trial or resolves through a plea. Misdemeanors may resolve in weeks or a few months. Felonies often take six months to a year or longer, especially if the case goes to trial. Your attorney can give you a more specific estimate based on your local court and the facts of your case.