how much is a typical dui attorney charge for first time dui

An inexperienced young attorney handling a first time DUI may only charge $2,000 while an experienced DUI attorney handling a complex case involving a DUI murder could charge as much as $70,000. The factors that affect the cost of a case in order of importance include: The complexity of the case

Full Answer

How much is a DUI attorney going to cost?

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: Attorney's fees. On average, our readers paid $1,900 in attorney fees and expenses. This average includes responses from those who used public defenders rather than privately-hired …

Who is the best DUI lawyer?

Oct 14, 2015 · First-time DUI defendants whose had their charges dropped or were acquitted spent an average of only $3,700 while those who were convicted of DUI spent an average of $7,100. The first-time DUI defendants who pleaded guilty (or "no contest") to a lesser offense, such as reckless driving, spent less on average: $6,400. Why the difference?

How much does a first offense DUI cost?

Jul 15, 2014 · Most criminal defense attorneys will charge either a flat fee, or an hourly fee. A flat fee arrangement will cost, on average, between $2,500–$4,000 in attorney’s fees. Generally speaking, flat fees are based on the attorney’s estimation of the amount of time and effort your DUI case will take.

How to find the best DUI lawyer in Pennsylvania?

Aug 21, 2021 · How much does a lawyer for DUI cost? Depending on factors like experience, reputation, location, ability, and the case, you can end up paying nearly $10,000 in attorney fees. Court-ordered fines. There is a court fee every time a person comes before the court. For first-time DUI offenders, these fees range between $1000–$1500.

How Much Does a DUI Cost Over 10 Years in California?

The 10-year cost of a DUI conviction in California could be hundreds of thousands of dollars as you could not only lose your job but pay higher ins...

Why Is a DUI So Expensive?

The costs of your DUI conviction vary substantially, based on your BAC level and the number of your prior DUI convictions. Most of the expenses ass...

What Happens to First-Time DUI Offenders?

Even though driving under the influence is a crime, most people aren’t fazed by getting arrested for a DUI for the first time. They believe it’s a...

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:

How Much Does a First-Offense DUI Cost?

States, counties, and cities and their law enforcement agencies often warn the public about how costly DUI is. Our survey results corroborate their warning. The average cost to our first offender survey respondents, including those who didn’t end up with any kind of conviction, was $6,500. This average cost includes the price of:

Does the Cost of a DUI Depend on the Outcome?

The final outcome of a DUI case does affect the total cost. First-time DUI defendants whose had their charges dropped or were acquitted spent an average of only $3,700 while those who were convicted of DUI spent an average of $7,100.

How Long Does a First-Offense DUI Take to Resolve?

On average, it took defendants 5 months to resolve their DUI cases, from the time they got arrested to the time the charges were dropped or they were acquitted or convicted.

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Remember that surveys indicate trends—they won’t determine what happens in your case. Circumstances help dictate outcomes (for instance, DUIs that occur with a child in the card or that cause property damage or physical injury carry stiffer punishments).

What does "dui" mean in driving?

What is a DUI? The acronym “DUI” stands for Driving Under the Influence. Every state has some version of a DUI statute. Such statutes are intended to prevent the operating of a motor vehicle while under the influence of, or intoxicated by, a substance that is known to impair a person’s motor skills.

How much is a DUI fine in California?

An example of this would be how for a first time DUI offender in the state of California, the fines could be as small as $390. Alternatively, the fines could be as high as $1,000. Generally speaking, a first time offense will be less costly, both in time and money, ...

Can a DUI be dismissed?

Because of the often deadly nature of driving under the influence of intoxicants, a DUI charge is taken very seriously by the courts. A competent DUI attorney may not always be able to get your case dismissed, but they will often be able to have the sentence reduced.

What drugs are included in a DUI?

While alcohol is the most common substance, other substances that can be included in a charge for DUI could be: Illicit or illegal contraband drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, PCP, etc.; Cannabis; Prescription medication , such as painkillers, sleeping meds, muscle relaxers, etc.; and. Over the counter medicines, particularly overdoses, ...

How long does a DUI case last?

Generally speaking, a DUI case lasts for six to twelve months. An average DUI lawyer cost in 2020 would be ...

Do attorneys need retainers?

Hourly rates require a heightened awareness of all the time spent working on a case. Due to the fact that this is not necessarily the best use of the attorney’s time, they may require a retainer. This retainer will cover a certain amount of the attorney’s time.

What is field sobriety test?

A field sobriety test is a series of actions designed to test a person’s balance and agility. Alternatively, the police may utilize a chemical breath test, such as a breathalyzer.

How Much Does a DUI Cost?

It’s difficult to tell how much a DUI ticket will cost you because several factors need to be considered. It will depend on the state and city you get pulled over in, how much you’ve drunk, your age, and other factors.

How Much Are Fees and Fines?

You’ll face a wide range of penalties if you’re convicted for drunk driving, which will mainly depend on the strictness of the DUI laws in your state. The penalties for a DUI vary considerably, taking into account the number of prior convictions and your blood alcohol concentration.

How Much Does a DUI Cost in Each State?

The average cost of a DUI in the United States is around $4,100, but that isn’t the story for every state. Some states have lower fines and fees than others, which is why the costs and penalties of a DUI conviction in California will differ significantly from those you will face in South Dakota.

Which State Has the Harshest Rules on Drunk Driving?

Regarding fines, it would be in your best interests to never drink and drive in Alaska. Even though the penalties vary based on the severity of the accident, you could end up paying close to $6,000 in the northern states.

How Does DUI Affect Your Insurance?

It’s a known fact that getting a DUI on your record will raise your car insurance rates substantially. In most instances, you could end up paying twice as much for coverage. It is estimated that after DUI, insurance rates increase by nearly 70% or more.

In Conclusion

Getting behind the wheel of a car when you are drunk is not a good idea as you are endangering your life and the lives of others on the road. It’s also a costly mistake that may result in shelling out thousands of dollars in penalties and fees and facing jail time.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What is the worst part of a DUI?

The worst part of a DUI charge isn’t that heart-stopping moment when you get pulled over. It’s not the depressing ride in the back of the police car, or the miserable hours spent in a jail holding cell. Nope: If you get pulled over for drunk driving (and you don’t hurt anybody else), the worst part is the cost of a DUI.

What to do after arrest?

After your arrest, you’ll have to pay to get your car or truck out of the police impound lot. (Make sure you have a friend to drive; remember, your license is suspended.) Take a few deep breaths first, because you’re gonna get mad when you hear how much it costs to get your car back.

How much is a DUI fine in California?

In California, for instance, a first-time offender who did not cause bodily injury would have to pay about $1,800 in DUI penalties, fines and fees.

Do I need an attorney for DUI?

How to reduce your DUI attorney cost: You may not actually need an attorney. One option Nolo recommends is paying an attorney for an assessment of your case. He or she will review the incident report and the results of your test for blood alcohol content.

How much does a DUI attorney cost?

But representation isn’t cheap. The average DUI attorney cost, according to one survey, is around $1,900. Don’t be afraid to ask your attorney about his or her fees before you sign a contract.

Can you go home after a DUI?

After your DUI arrest, you may be released on your own recognizance. That means the judge allows you to go home on the condition that you show up for your court hearing. Or, you may need to post bail to be released from jail. A Lawyers.com survey found that the average bail for a DUI offense was $500.

How long do you have to go to jail for a DUI?

In many states, jail time is mandatory for first-time DUI offenders. The minimum sentence may be only one day (like in North Carolina or Montana) or 10 days (like in Arizona or Georgia). For second-time offenders, the minimum rises to as much as 180 days (in West Virginia).

What can a lawyer do for you?

If you work with a lawyer, you may be able to reduce the severity of the consequences you're facing. You may be able to avoid jail time and even keep the offense of your permanent record.

How long does a drug test last?

This usually lasts for six months to one year. On average, finds are typically around $1,500 to $2,000. You may face jail time between 10 and 30 days, and you may be required to complete drug & alcohol classes.

Is a DUI a misdemeanor?

Even though it's common for states to classify a first-time DUI charge as a misdemeanor, you should be aware that a DUI arrest or conviction can come with severe consequences. If you've been charged with a DUI for the first time, you need to be aware of mandatory sentencing requirements in your area. It would help if you also looked ...

What are the conditions for a DUI?

Typically, this includes a fine, court costs, urinalysis fees, and probation fees. The monthly payment could be equivalent to a smaller car payment.

How long can you go to jail for DUI?

Although not likely for a first-time offender, jail time of up to 364 days is possible for any DUI charges, whether the driver is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication. Someone can spend time in jail even if they refuse to submit to a breathalyzer or other tests and are found guilty.

Can a DUI be revoked?

The difference may seem insignificant, however, it is very important. With court supervision, you are not convicted of the offense and your license will not be revoked. If you receive probation, there will be a conviction on your record for DUI and your license becomes automatically revoked or canceled. It is also possible that the Judge may order ...

How long can a first time offender go to jail?

The average sentence for first-time offenders usually requires no jail time as long as you complete all the conditions of your supervision. Deciding whether or not to sentence an offender to jail is usually at the discretion of a judge.

What's the Likely Outcome of a Third or Fourth DUI?

The overwhelming majority of survey respondents arrested for a third or fourth DUI were convicted of DUI or a lesser charge like reckless driving or "wet reckless." Specifically, 33% ended up with a felony DUI conviction, 56% were convicted of misdemeanor DUI, and 6% pleaded guilty (or "no contest") to a lesser charge.

Penalties for Third or Fourth DUI

Not only did the conviction rate go up for third or fourth DUI, but having two or more prior convictions when arrested for DUI greatly increased the chance of jail time: 50% of those arrested for third or fourth DUI were sentenced to time behind bars compared to just 9% for a first-time DUI.

How Much Does a Third or Fourth DUI Cost?

Getting arrested for a third or fourth DUI is costly. The average cost to readers was $7,300.

How Long Does a Third or Fourth DUI Take to Resolve?

Starting from the point of arrest, it took on average 7.8 months for our readers’ third- or fourth-offense DUI cases to be wrapped up. This was 2.5 months longer than first-offense cases, which took an average of just 5.3 months.

Talk to a Lawyer

While these survey results help you get an idea of what you’re facing if you’ve been arrested for third or fourth DUI, they won’t dictate what happens to you. The absence or presence of other aggravating circumstances, plus the perspectives of police and prosecutors, go a long way in determining results.