how much does a good dui lawyer cost in berks pa

by Dr. Evalyn Barrows MD 7 min read

How much does a DUI cost in Pennsylvania?

With a range of between $300 and $10,000, you can see how just how a great DUI attorney can save you money. A bad one will not argue for a low fine and just accept whatever the court says.

Why should I hire a Pennsylvania DUI lawyer?

Apr 19, 2016 · Attorney Fees (average): $2,500. Total: $5,482 to $9,482. In all, you could be looking at more than $10,000 in associated fees after your arrest – and that’s just for a first-time DUI. The total cost of all fees, penalties, and fines associated with your second, third, or subsequent DUI will likely exceed $20,000.

What are the consequences of a drunk driving conviction in Pennsylvania?

Oct 27, 2020 · How much does a DUI lawyer cost in PA? The consumer services matching provider, Thumbtack, estimates that the national average cost for a DUI lawyer ranges from $1,025 to $2,950, with a median cost of $1,740. Personal finance website, Nerd Wallet, estimates basic legal fees of $1,000 for a simple DUI case.

How much does a first-time DUI cost?

The cost of a DUI in Pennsylvania may be much higher than you think. In Pennsylvania, a drunk driving conviction carries hefty fines, as well as court costs and fees. Potential jail time and a lengthy driver’s license suspension may prevent you from working or …

image

How much is a DUI fine in PA?: First Offense

Pennsylvania has a $300 minimum and $500 maximum fine for first-time DUI offenders. This lowest level is known as a “general impairment” DUI and pertains to drivers with a BAC of at least .08% but less than .10%.

How much is a DUI in PA?: Second Offense

If this is your second DUI offense, you’re going to face harsher penalties and steeper fines than before. A general impairment DUI (BAC between .08 and .099%) will yield fines between $300 and $2,500.

DUI Fees for a Third or Subsequent Offense

As you can probably imagine, third-offense DUIs carry the highest fines and penalties. For a third or subsequent offense under general impairment, you’ll have to pay $500 to $5,000.

Weighing the Total Cost of Your DUI Offense

In addition to the costs outlined above, there are also secondary costs to consider. For instance, your state-mandated minimum liability coverage insurance premiums are likely to rise after you get a DUI conviction. These premium hikes can account for thousands a year.

How much is a DUI fine?

According to state law, first offense DUI convictions can carry fines up to $5,000. Second and subsequent offenses carry fines up to $10,000. These potential fines are daunting, but they are not the only costs associated with a conviction.

What happens if you get a DUI in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, a drunk driving conviction carries hefty fines, as well as court costs and fees. Potential jail time and a lengthy driver’s license suspension may prevent you from working or possibly even cost you your job. A DUI conviction will also leave you with a permanent criminal record, which will drastically increase the cost ...

What is the phone number for McKenzie Law Firm?

At the McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., we have the expertise to help you beat your charges and avoid some of the associated costs. Call 610-680-7842 today for a free case consultation.

How long can you keep your license in Pennsylvania?

Upon conviction for a DUI, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) can suspend your driver’s license for as long as 18 months. This means you will have to arrange alternative transportation to get to work and school and to run personal errands.

Who is David McKenzie?

Pennsylvania Attorney David C. McKenzie III is founder and partner of the McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. His practice encompasses matters ranging all across criminal law. The expertise he has developed over his years of practice he now puts to work for you at the McKenzie Law Firm, P.C.

DUI Fines in Pennsylvania: First, Second, Third Offense

When it comes to the cost of a DUI, the true cost you have to pay involves much more than just fines and court fees. Additional expenses can include reinstatement fees, lost wages, vehicle towing fees from the impound, and higher auto insurance rates.

What Will a PA DUI Cost Me?

One of the penalties for a DUI, or DWI, as it is sometimes referred to (driving while intoxicated) in Pennsylvania, can include driver's license suspension. Aside from the obvious inconvenience of being unable to drive, this can also impact your ability to maintain or obtain employment, due to the difficulty of your new commute issues.

Philadelphia DUI Defense Attorneys Fighting Against Drunk Driving Charges

Ultimately, there are many variables involved in a DUI case, so the total cost you will face for your DUI is difficult to calculate.

How to contact DUI defense?

If you are facing a DUI charge, we will build a defense strategy suited to your needs. Call us today at (610) 680-7842 to get started with a free case review. We can also help you figure out the cost to have a breathalyzer installed in your car.

What is an IID in Pennsylvania?

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles, an ignition interlock device (IID) can prevent your car from starting unless you blow into the device, and there is no detectable alcohol on your breath. An ignition interlock device gets installed on your car and remains there until the end of the court-ordered IID term.

What happens if you don't use an ignition interlock?

You might be tempted to try to save some money by going with a cut-rate ignition interlock device company—but be careful. The Pennsylvania DUI Association publishes a list of approved IID systems. If you use a device that is not on the approved list, you could face serious legal consequences.

What is the IID for driving?

Everyone who gets ordered to use an IID must also get a new driver’s license , called an ignition interlock license. This unique-looking license makes it easy for law enforcement officers to see that you must use an IID whenever you drive.

How much does it cost to lease an ignition interlock device?

Depending on the provider you select and the length of time you must have the device in your car, the lease will cost around $1,000.

When did the additional year of suspension end?

You used to be able to serve an additional year of driver’s license suspension instead of getting an ignition interlock device, but for offenses occurring after September 20, 2003, the additional year of suspension is no longer an option.

Who pays for ignition interlock?

The Person Who Pays for the Ignition Interlock Device. The person whom the court orders to use an ignition interlock device must pay the costs associated with obtaining the system. The court does not pay for these fees.

image