How Much Does a DUI Attorney Cost?
When you’re choosing a DUI attorney, one of your major concerns is most likely going to be how much he or she will charge to represent you — and rightfully so. A DUI charge is extremely serious, though, so do keep in mind that your defense may not be the best place to try to save money.
What does an average DUI attorney cost?
It’s quite difficult to say what an “average DUI attorney” would cost as fees will depend on many factors, including but not limited to the following:
- Location
- Type of charges against you (a misdemeanor versus felony, for which a lawyer is likely to charge more)
- Your prior criminal record, especially regarding previous DUI charges and/or convictions
- The lawyer’s experience
- The complexity of your case
Because prices vary so greatly, the best thing you can do is ask around to get an idea of what the going rates are in your area. You can call different attorneys to get price estimates and also ask if they have any current or former clients you can contact as well; you can ask the clients not only about value for their money but also other things about the lawyer that might persuade you to choose one DUI attorney over another.
Overall, you should probably expect that a good DUI defense attorney probably won’t cost less than $5,000 for a misdemeanor charge, more for a felony charge; if you are quoted prices substantially lower than that, you should meet with the attorney in person before agreeing to anything. Get a feel for professionalism of the office, ask how many clients he has and how many DUI cases he’s handled (and the results in those cases).
You must make sure that you’re putting your money in the right person’s hands to represent you as you have to trust your DUI attorney with your life. If you’re seeking the help of an attorney, it’s likely that you’re facing criminal charges, so you want to make sure you have the best representation you can afford.