how much does a dwi lawyer cost in nc

Full Answer

How much does a DWI cost in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, a DWI sentence can include anywhere from $200 to $10,000 in fines. In addition to fines, you may be sentenced to jail time, community service, or drug and alcohol classes. Jail time is going to cost you in terms of lost wages; you can’t work while you’re in jail.

How much does a DUI lawyer cost?

You will only be billed the short time period in which the DUI attorney worked on your case. In comparison, a flat rate is a fee that covers the entire course of your case. Depending on your circumstances, expect to pay around $3,000 in flat rate attorney fees with most offering a payment plan.

Should I fight a DWI charge?

A DWI is an expensive proposition. It can affect your reputation and your ability to find work. It can cost you your freedom. It can also cost a pretty penny. You may choose to go along with the charge and just pay whatever the court orders, or you may choose to defend yourself and fight the charges.

What are the consequences and costs associated with a DUI?

The punishment for a DUI is state-dependent, which means that not all states trial this crime in the same manner. Aside from lawyer fees and potential jail time, it's vital that you're aware of the following consequences and costs associated with a DUI. When you are charged with a DUI, you will need to pay a set fine.

How much does a DWI cost in North Carolina?

North Carolina has five levels of DWI charges, with Level 5 being the lowest and Level 1 being the highest, with the highest punishment, fees, and license revocation. Fines alone start at $200 and go as high as $4,000 just for the DWI. An aggravated Level I felony can be as high as $10,000 in fines.

How much does a DUI lawyer cost in North Carolina?

Hiring an experienced DWI lawyer can mean the difference between a result of not guilty or a conviction, as well as more severe punishment. While a decent attorney's fee can start at $2,500, this pales in comparison to the total cost of a Level A1 DWI sentence which could be as high as $10,000.00.

Can a DWI be reduced in NC?

Most courts across North Carolina are unlikely to offer or agree to a reduction from a DWI charge to a reckless driving charge. However, if you also received a traffic citation in addition to your DWI charge, a criminal defense lawyer may be able to help you get those charges reduced or dropped.

How much does a lawyer cost in North Carolina?

The typical lawyer in North Carolina charges between $62 and $330 per hour. Costs vary depending on the type of lawyer, so review our lawyer rates table to find out the average cost to hire an attorney in North Carolina.

How do you get a DWI dismissed in NC?

If your lawyer finds grounds to dismiss the charges, he may file a Motion to Suppress to exclude related evidence before the trial begins. If the court agrees to suppress the evidence, there will be grounds to file a Motion to Dismiss the DWI charges.

How much is a DUI ticket?

Average Costs of a DUI or DWI Arrest and ConvictionExpenseCostCourt Fines$150-$1,800Alcohol Treatment/Education$1,000-$2,500Licensing Fees$150Jail Fee$10-$5013 more rows

How do you beat a DWI in NC?

How to Beat a DUI-DWI – The Top “9 Ways to Win” List. ... Do NOT Self-Incriminate by Talking. ... Do NOT Take Field Sobriety Tests. ... In a NC DWI, Don't Blow Into the Portable Breathalyzer. ... Don't Resist Arrest for a DWI in NC. ... You Have No Privacy in a Police Car in NC.More items...

What is a Level 1 DWI NC?

Level One DWI is the most serious level of punishment. If the Judge finds 2 Grossly Aggravating Factors are present, he or she will impose Level one punishment. A Level One North Carolina DWI is punishable by a fine up to $4,000 and a minimum jail sentence of 30 days and a maximum of 24 months.

Is DWI in NC a felony?

DWI can be a felony in North Carolina, and the offense is habitual DWI. You can be charged with this crime if you were driving while impaired and were convicted of three or more other offenses involving DWI within 10 years of the date of this offense. These offenses include: Impaired driving.

How much is a retainer fee for a lawyer?

Overview. A retainer fee can be any denomination that the attorney requests. It may be as low as $500 or as high as $5,000 or more. Some attorneys base retainer fees on their hourly rate multiplied by the number of hours that they anticipate your case will take.

How much should I charge for a retainer fee?

Attorneys typically charge an average of $100 to $300 an hour, while a consultant may charge $50 to $150. No matter your profession, though, it's good to find a reasonable rate that works with your experience level and your success rate in the industry.

How much does a criminal lawyer cost in NC?

$2,000 up to $4,000 Low-level felonies include charges like embezzlement, obtaining property by false pretenses, and possession and sale of controlled substances in low amounts.

How does a DWI affect insurance rates in North Carolina?

This can result in your insurance costs increasing significantly, in most cases a 300% increase or even more from your current premium rate. In general, a DWI can continue to affect your insurance rates for several years beyond your conviction.

What happens if you get your license revoked?

Having your license revoked can also increase your day-to-day expenses. Without a car, you may have to take public transportation or an Uber to work.

Can you attend a substance abuse program in North Carolina?

Depending on the outcome of your case, you may be ordered to attend a substance abuse program. Various substance abuse programs in North Carolina educate and assess offenders in an effort to create safer drivers. The costs for substance abuse programs vary depending on the number of recommended treatment hours, but the cost can be quite high.

What are the Costs of a DWI?

The costs of a DWI start immediately after the arrest, the first being any bond that is required. This cost is usually very minimal compared to the others associated with a DWI.

What Happens 30 Days After a DWI Arrest?

So 30 days have passed since you were charged with DWI, you may have already hired an attorney, but if you haven’t, you are probably getting ready to do so. A reasonable attorney’s fee to handle a DWI is going to be around $2,500.

Will You Lose Your License if You Have a DWI?

Now at the same time all of these expenses are being thrown at you, you have to surrender your license for a minimum of one year. If you are eligible, you can get a limited driving privilege, but, yep you guessed it, that is another $100 fee due to the court.

What Happens a Year After My License is Revoked?

After your year is up, you are more than ready to go to the DMV and get your license back. For some, the only cost incurred at this time, is the $100 restoration fee and the cost of a duplicate fee.

Will a DWI Affect My Insurance Premiums?

Just when you thought the costs were coming to an end, you find that your insurance premium has increased about 400% and that expense is there to stay for about the next three years. So you see folks, the expense of a DWI conviction is so much more involved than people realize.

Contact a DWI Lawyer in Raleigh, NC

If you have been picked up a criminal law charge such as DWI in the Raleigh area and want to speak to an attorney, please call Kirk, Kirk, Howell, Cutler & Thomas, L.L.P. at 919-615-2473 or fill out the form below.

What does it mean to go to trial for DWI in NC?

Going to trial for DWI means there is a strong chance of not only conviction but jail time. North Carolina has five levels of DWI charges, with Level 5 being the lowest and Level 1 being the highest, with the highest punishment, fees, and license revocation.

How long does it take to get your license revoked for DWI?

The Arrest. Your license is immediately revoked if there is a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher. You’ll lose your license for 30 days, just for being charged with DWI. You can request a limited driving privilege after 10 days, which will cost $100, plus whatever it costs you to get to work for ten days (if you still have a job.)

What happens if you hit someone's car while driving?

If you caused property damage while driving intoxicated, such as hitting someone’s car or house, you will also find yourself on the receiving end of a personal injury suit from the other party (or wrongful death if someone died as a result of the accident. ) You may be sued by the other party for medical expenses, lost and future wages, pain, and suffering, and other compensatory damages, and you’ll be responsible for them. A wrongful death lawsuit, filed by the relatives the person who died in the accident, can also end up with a large monetary settlement you’ll have to pay. These expenses can’t be dismissed in a bankruptcy, either. If you own property, such as a house, a lien can be placed on the property until you pay it.

How much does insurance increase after a DUI?

Most drivers find their insurance increases an average of 400% after a DUI. One more thing—you’ll be required to have an ignition interlock system installed on your car before you can drive again. This system requires you to blow into it, just like a breathalyzer, before you can start your vehicle.

What happens if you are dismissed from a criminal case?

If your charges are dismissed, that’s the end of it. But if you’re headed for trial, it’s going to get a lot more expensive.

Can you get fired for a DUI?

Depending on the type of job you have, you could be terminated after the arrest, especially if you hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL.) Not only will you lose your income, but you will also have a difficult time finding another job with a DUI.

Is it expensive to get arrested for DWI?

DWI Is Expensive. Getting arrested for DWI can cost more than just money—you could do prison time, in addition to losing your job, your home, and your rights. A DWI will also follow you around for the rest of your life, no matter where you live. Having a DWI defense attorney does cost money, but can save you a lot more, ...

How much does a DUI lawyer charge?

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.

How much does a DUI attorney charge per hour?

The first option is hourly, which typically costs an average of $300 per hour. Depending on the lawyer and location, you may pay $200 to $500 per hour. The key advantage here is that if your case is resolved quickly, you will not overpay. You will only be billed the short time period in which the DUI attorney worked on your case.

How much does an ignition interlock cost?

This machine will cost around $100 to install, in addition to a monthly fee that ranges for $60 to $80. The length of time you're required to keep this device in your car will depend on where you live as well as your conviction.

How much is a DUI fine in Florida?

For example, in Florida, a standard first-offense DUI carries an average fine between $500 and $1,000. However, if your blood alcohol concentration is above .15% or a passenger under the age of 18 was present in the vehicle, you will face a fine closer to $2,000.

How much does a flat rate attorney cost?

In comparison, a flat rate is a fee that covers the entire course of your case. Depending on your circumstances, expect to pay around $3,000 in flat rate attorney fees with most offering a payment plan.

How much does it cost to get your license reinstated after a DUI?

Once you are eligible to reinstate your license, this fee depends on your state. For example, in California, this fee is $125, and in Washington, this fee is $150.

How much does a public defender cost?

Those who are represented by a public defender tend to spend an average of $5,500 on their case, including between $700 and $800 on DUI lawyer fees. However, the cost of a public defender significantly ranges depending on numerous factors, including the state in which you reside. For example, in California, defendants are required to pay an upfront registration fee of $50.

Additional Costs for Drunk Driving in North Carolina

Some drivers simply calculate the criminal fines and penalties for a DUI. Unfortunately, there are additional costs often imposed by the Department of Motor Vehicles in the state to reinstate a driver’s license.

Hiring a DUI lawyer in North Carolina

By far the most expensive cost of a DUI is hiring a DUI lawyer. It is hard to give estimates for hiring a DUI lawyer because even in the state of North Caroline the fee range varies considerably.