How Much Does A DUI Lawyer Cost?

The average total costs for a DUI Lawyer is $6,500 with prices varying from $5,000 to $8,000 in the USA for 2019-2020. In basic terms, you can expect the lawyer fee on its own to be an average of $1,900 with the rest being made up of additional charges. Obviously, the fee will vary depending on whether you choose to accept some kind of plea or go to trial. In cases where you go the route of accepting a plea, expect to pay an average of $1,100 with costs varying from as little as $700 to $1,500 and should you prefer to go to trial, expect an average fee of $2,750 with costs ranging from $1,500 to $4,000 for the US in 2019-2020. In cases of a more extreme nature, you can expect to pay upwards of $10,000.

It usually takes six to twelve months for the case to reach a point of resolution from the initial arrest. The total price of the DUI may become very substantial with more than just lawyer fees to consider, hence it is essential to seek legal advice to costs and any penalty fees associated with the case can be minimized. Consider the trial may go on for longer than at first anticipated and there may be additional specialist reports to review as well as additional witnesses to step forward.

DUI Attorney Fee Structures

DUI Attorneys usually work on a flat or hourly rate of pay. For example, a flat fee will usually cover the entirety of your case, many attorneys offer a payment plan, but you can expect at least $3,000 in fees. Usually an attorney will agree to this option when they think a plea can be negotiated as opposed to a trial that will be costly. Conversely the average hourly rate is around $300 per hour but prices may range anywhere between $200 and $500 per hour. On the upside if the case reaches a speedy resolution, you will not be out of pocket too much.

Do I Need A DUI Lawyer For My First Offense?

Self-representation will require an enormous learning curve to negotiate regarding criminal trial procedures and the legal system, and likely will put you at an enormous disadvantage. Also, judges tend not to be tolerant of self-representation.

Additional Attorney Costs To Resolve Your DUI

The punishment for a DUI depends on the state where the DUI was committed. Besides the possibility of facing jail time and the fees from lawyers, it is of great importance you know of the following costs and consequences with a DUI.

DUI Fines

A set fine will have to be paid when you have been charged with a DUI. If this is your first DUI you can look at paying an initial fine of $300 to $2,000 and fines will be higher, for example, if you were driving with a minor in the vehicle. If another person has been injured as a result of your DUI that can escalate to in excess of $5,000 in fines.

Court Defense Costs, Penalties & Fees

You will also need to think about the following fees, penalties and court costs when deciding how to proceed. While prices vary dependent on the unique facts of every situation, here are some ballpark amounts for your consideration:

• Up to $250 for sentencing and $100-$1,000+ in probation fees.
• Between $100 and $1,000+ for automobile impound and towing fees.
• Between $1,000 and $2,500 fees for driver responsibility.
• Approximately $100 for mandatory drug screening, is ordered.
• Anywhere between $100 and $2,500+ to get yourself bailed from the jail.

DUI Classes Cost

$100 to $500 will be the cost of classes depending on the rules the state has for such.

DMV Fees

Usually a DUI results in a license being suspended. The reinstatement fee can depend on your state but is often in excess of $125.

Insurance

You can expect your insurance premiums to go up simply because you will be considered a driver at high risk by the insurance company and that is if they decide not to cancel your coverage totally. Normally, you can expect to pay between double and treble their usual insurance rates. In some states, the cost can be in excess of 300%.

Ignition Interlock Devices

This is a breathalyzer that will not allow operation of your vehicle until you have blown into it. Installation runs around $100 together with a monthly fee ranging from $60 to $80. Depending on the terms of your sentence, you may have to keep this device on the car for a considerable period of time.

Impound And Towing

When you have been arrested for a DUI, the car is first towed and then impounded. Often the tow fee is around the $150 range and impounding cab run $50 or more per day.  So go get your car picked up.

2nd DUI Lawyer Cost

The average cost to hire a lawyer for a 2^nd DUI offense is about $6,600 with average lawyer fees ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 in the US for 2019 according to Lawyers.com. The average case duration took 7.6 months with time frames ranging from 5 to 12 months. A recent nationwide survey evaluated the duration, cost and the results for defendants facing a DUI case when they already have prior convictions for the same offense. In this post, you can learn what was discovered.

3rd or 4th DUI Lawyer Cost?

The average cost to hire a lawyer for a third or fourth DUI offense is about $7,300 with average lawyer fees ranging from $6,000 to $12,000 in the US for 2019 according to Lawyers.com. The average case duration is about 7.8 months but ranges from 5 to 12 months.

Source: 2019 DUI Lawyer Costs: Average DUI Attorney Fees.” Thervo, https://thervo.com/costs/dui-lawyer-cost.