how much is a dui lawyer

by Lois Roob 4 min read

A DUI lawyer typically costs $3,000-$5,000 or more, and this price may be low for many states. Because all DUI charges are unique, the cost for your case can be different than the costs of another person’s case. Because of the penalties involved, money may not be your primary focus if you are arrested on suspicion of drunk driving.

For a first-time misdemeanor DUI, a DUI attorney generally costs in the ballpark of $1,500 to $5,000. A California DUI Lawyer Association (CDLA) Specialist often starts at $2,500 – $4,500.

Full Answer

What is the average price to hire a DUI lawyer?

Driving under the influence (DUI) charges is no small matter regardless of where you live in the United States. A DUI lawyer typically costs $3,000-$5,000 or more, and this price may be low for many states. Because all DUI charges are unique, the cost for your case can be different than the costs of another person’s case.

What makes a good DUI lawyer?

How Much Will a DUI Lawyer Cost? – LegalMatch. Mar 24, 2021 — Generally speaking, a DUI case lasts for six to twelve months. An average DUI lawyer cost in 2020 would be $1,900 with additional fees resulting (1) … 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.

Who is the best DUI lawyer?

Hiring a private DUI lawyer will generally cost you between $1,000 and $5,000. If your case goes to trial, it can be even more expensive. (And there are cases (11) …. Nov 12, 2015 — Average attorney fees were $1,900 and other costs averaged $4,600. Total costs for DUI typically ranged from $4,000 to $8,000.

How do I find a good DUI lawyer?

In terms of case resolution, the average cost of DUI lawyer to negotiate for a plea bargain is between $750 and $1,500. On the other hand, if you want to contest the case and go to trial, expect to pay about $2,500 to $25,000 for trial fees. Penalties For first time DUI offenses, penalties and other fees can cost $3,600.

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How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost?

While law firms have different fee schedules, the fees generally depend on the time spent on your defense and the complexity of your situation. Costs for a DUI defense lawyer vary according to factors that include:

How Much is a DUI Lawyer – and How Much Can They Save You?

Whatever the cost of your DUI lawyer, your total costs will often be lower than if you went to court without representation. If your attorney can get your first-time DUI charges reduced or dropped, you can save as much as $4,000 on car insurance alone.

How much does a DUI lawyer cost?

In terms of case resolution, the average cost of DUI lawyer to negotiate for a plea bargain is between $750 and $1,500. On the other hand, if you want to contest the case and go to trial, expect to pay about $2,500 to $25,000 for trial fees.

Why is my insurance premium higher?

Plus, the average increase in your insurance premium will also be higher because it means that you’re high risk. If you hire a lawyer, he or she will guide you on how to properly handle your case. If you have a strong defense, you may even get an acquittal.

Can I represent myself in court?

You may also represent yourself in court, but unless you’re a lawyer yourself, that option isn’t really recommended. For comparison, here are the average cost of DUI lawyer, price of self-representation, and other DUI-related expenses:

Can I choose a DUI lawyer?

Choosing a DUI lawyer doesn’t just end at deciding between a private or a public attorney. There are also cost factors that need to be considered, especially if you’re working on a budget. Knowing these factors can also help you get the most out of your lawyer.

Do DUI lawyers charge an hourly fee?

DUI lawyers may either charge an hourly fee or a flat rate. If you hire a lawyer on a per-hour basis, you will also have to pay a retainer fee as down payment.

Is a DUI case expensive?

The thing about DUI cases is that they are expensive. Whether you’re acquitted or convicted, you will have to pay. And since you’re already spending money, it’s better to hire the best DUI lawyer that you can afford.

Do I need a lawyer for a DUI?

To resolve a DUI case in the fastest and least inconvenient way possible, you will need a lawyer. DUI attorney fees can be determined by two primary factors: the type of attorney and the resolution you’re after.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a DUI Attorney?

If you have been arrested or convicted for drunk driving, it’s time to call a DUI lawyer. An experienced DUI criminal defense attorney knows what your legal options are and can guide you through this stressful period. A DUI lawyer can help you after a DUI arrest through the pretrial period and during the trial if necessary.

What Fees Can You be Charged With for DUI in Illinois?

Beyond the DUI lawyer fees, the additional cost associated with DUIs and reckless driving charges includes the cost to post bail, court-ordered fines, DMV fees, increased auto insurance rates, license reinstatement fee, expert witness fees, costs for traffic school or substance abuse education program, vehicle towing fees and storage cost if your car is impounded, property damage fees, and the cost of lost income if the DUI offender has to take time off work..

Should I Get a DUI Defense Lawyer for My First DUI?

Often prosecutors have a standard first-time DUI offense plea offer. This means they offer every first-time offender a standard first-time DUI the same plea deal, which is the lower end of the allowable first-time DUI sentence.

What Can a DUI Lawyer Do For You?

If you’re underage and you’re caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may face the strictest penalties. Hiring a DUI criminal defense attorney for underage drinking and driving can reduce your sentence. Many states want to reduce underage drinking and driving, and thus, the blood alcohol level for minors is much lower.

All included, the cost of a first DUI can easily get well into the thousands

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Average Cost

The average overall cost that our survey respondents reported was $6,500. Included in this average, however, are responses from readers (20% of the survey pool) who were found not guilty or whose charges were ultimately dismissed.

Cost Breakdown

There are lots of costs that contribute to the total for a first-offense DUI. To get a better idea of the cost breakdown, we asked our survey participants for some specifics. Here's what they told us:

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