What is the average salary of a criminal defense lawyer?

As of 2015, the average salary range for criminal defense lawyers is between $37,248 and $173.515. There are several factors that influence the final income amount.

Criminal defense lawyers work for the government, for private firms or are self-employed. Government lawyers are paid a salary, while private lawyers charge for their time or by the case. Experienced partners in large law firms generally make the highest salaries, plus bonuses and profit sharing, while private self-employed attorneys make the least. In addition, criminal defense lawyers make more money in certain regions of the country, with salaries being the highest in the District of Columbia and the lowest in Montana.