How Much Does a DWI Lawyer Cost?
DWI Charge | Max Severity of Punishment | Lawyer Cost |
Class B Misdemeanor | 6 months jail | $3,000 and up |
Class A Misdemeanor | 1 year jail | $4,000 and up |
State Jail Felony | 2 years state jail | $6,000 and up |
3rd Degree Felony | 10 years prison | $8,000 and up |
The average DUI lawyer costs $1,900 while other fees average $4,000 for a total DUI cost of between $5,000 to $8,000. Your attorney fees will depend if you accept a plea or take your case to trial. DUI lawyers charge $700 to $1,500 when accepting a plea, and $1,500 to $4,000 when going to trial.
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For instance, fines and fees vary by state. And first DUIs involving a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or an accident can end up costing more than other first offenses. With that in mind, here's what our survey results showed. Average Cost. The average overall cost that our survey respondents reported was $6,500.
In short, your DWI lawyer costs are highly dependent on your particular lawyer and the facts of your case. However, you can expect to easily pay between $1,000 and $5,000 for a simple case that doesn't go to trial, and up to $10,000 for a case that does go in front of a judge.
It depends on whether it's your first offense and on a number of other factors. However, the costs of a conviction go well beyond the fine you will be expected to pay and typically run to five figures. The Texas Department of Transportation estimates the average cost of a DWI to be $17,000.
In fact, the Texas Department of Transportation estimated in 2019 that for a first-time DWI offense, total costs could range from $5,000 to $24,000. With that in mind, it's vital that you engage an experienced DWI defense lawyer if you face a DWI charge in Houston, Harris County, Fort Bend County or Montgomery County.
What are the penalties for a DWI? Up to a $2,000 fine. Up to 180 days in jail upon conviction with three mandatory days.
Do I need a lawyer for a DWI in Texas? Technically, you don't. However, if you do opt to represent yourself in a DWI case and skip hiring a DWI defense attorney, you could end up in a very bad spot.
It's free. Texas DWI charges especially for a first-time offense, can be dismissed entirely or lowered to a less serious charge such as reckless driving.
6 months to 2 yearsIn Texas, probation for a first DWI may last from 6 months to 2 years, depending on a wide range of factors. Any probation violation is taken very seriously and will likely result in jail time.
Bail for DWI in Texas depends on the level of the offense just like any other charge. Typically a Class B DWI first charge is about $2,000 surety bond. This means that $2,000 case will be needed to bond out of jail. A bondsman typically charges 10% of the bond amount to sign on as the surety for the bond.
To beat a DWI charge in Texas, you must assert and protect your constitutional rights. You must utilize due process to confront all witnesses and challenge all evidence. This means disputing reasonable suspicion, probable cause, and all forensic evidence. You can't win if you don't fight.
Texas DUI and DWI Penalties The state has a long history of being one of the strictest in the nation. According to the Texas DMV point system, drivers will incur heavy penalties if they accrue 6 points in the span of 3 years.
How long does it take a DWI to come off your record in Texas? The statute of limitations for DWI in Texas is 2 years. If eligible, a petition for expunction may be filed immediately once the statute has run.
A first DWI is a Class B misdemeanor in Texas. Felonies are also classified by degree according to the severity of the crime. Felonies range from first-degree to third-degree in Texas, with first-degree felonies being the most serious.
The first thing you’ll notice when researching the costs of DWI lawyers in Texas is that they do vary, depending on experience, reputation, track record, location, and so on.
The total cost of a DWI conviction can easily mount up to well over $10,000.
With severe penalties for a conviction, few people would argue that the costs of hiring a DWI lawyer are not worth it if your case is dismissed or you are acquitted at trial.
If you do hire a DWI lawyer who charges an hourly fee, you'll also probably pay a retainer fee. This fee acts as a down payment. You'll then likely receive monthly statements, which your attorney will expect you to pay promptly.
Some DWI lawyers prefer to use a flat fee. This is because they can receive the money up front.
What a DWI Lawyer Can Do for You. If you have been accused of driving while intoxicated (DWI), you will want to do everything you can to avoid a conviction. This may include hiring a DWI lawyer to defend you.
Go to prison for up to 1 year. By the time of your third conviction, you might: Have to pay a fine of up to $10,000. Lose your license for as long as 2 years. Go to prison for up to 10 years.
Representing you in court: If your case does go to trial, your lawyer will present your case before a judge and jury, striving to undermine the prosecution’s case. Law firms may use various payment methods and fee structures. This is one of many things you should discuss with a prospective firm before you hire anyone.
The high rate of alcohol-related traffic fatalities is part of the reason why authorities take cases of drunk driving—and even suspected drunk driving—so seriously. If you face a DWI charge, you should take it seriously as well and consider hiring our firm to protect your rights. Get a Free Case Review.
You may be reluctant to spend money on a DWI lawyer. However, not investing in legal representation can end up costing you far more. Per the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), a DWI conviction can be costly. This is especially true if you have been convicted before. Penalties That a Court May Hand Down.
You can never expunge a DWI conviction from your record. The only way to prevent all of these penalties is to avoid a conviction. A DWI lawyer from our firm can help you do just that. Why DWI Penalties are So Severe. It is against the law to drive drunk in any state, including Texas.