Did you know that drinking and driving kills 28 people a day in the U.S.?

Drunk driving is a serious crime. It can destroy the lives of the driver, any passengers, and pedestrians on the road. If convicted of DUI, you’ll lose your driving privileges, and you may even go to jail or pay large fines.

Are you worried you might be charged with DUI? If so, you may be wondering how much it would cost you to hire a DUI attorney.

Keep reading to learn why it’s a good idea to hire a defense attorney if you’re charged with a DUI.

Average Costs

Hiring a DUI attorney can be expensive but the overall cost to represent you in a DUI case is worth it. This is due to the risks associated with a DUI conviction. The average cost of fees is generally between $2,000 – 5,000.

This cost can help negotiate the best possible outcome in court and provide the best defense possible. It can also decrease the maximum penalty imposed if a conviction occurs. With all of the benefits, the costs of hiring one are worth the peace of mind that comes along with it.

Factors That Affect the Cost

The cost to hire a DUI lawyer varies greatly depending on a few factors. This includes a lawyer’s expertise, the complexity of the case, and the state in which they practice, all affect the overall costs of hiring a DUI attorney.

Lawyer’s Expertise

Handing your DUI case to an expert lawyer ensures the best possible outcome. It is important to understand the value of a lawyer’s expertise. A more experienced lawyer with a long-standing record of success will likely charge more than a less experienced lawyer.

Lawyers who focus more on specialized defense also tend to charge higher fees. It is also important to consider what your goals are and what you are willing to pay for the right attorney to represent you.

The complexity of the Case

The complexity of a DUI case can significantly affect the cost of hiring an attorney. For example, if the DUI case is simple, then the cost to hire an attorney would be minimal or even waived if the case will be handled in traffic court.

Generally, the more complex the DUI case is, the higher the cost of hiring an attorney. An attorney may need to spend more time and resources investigating pieces of evidence.

State in Which They Practice

In some states, attorney fees are regulated to an extent. Attorneys in those states have a maximum amount they are allowed to charge, which helps to keep fees reasonable.

Additionally, certain states may have any number of DUI lawyers, while others may only have a few. Fewer attorneys can also result in higher attorney fees. 

Understanding the Cost of a DUI Attorney

Hiring a DUI attorney certainly isn’t cheap, but it’s an important step to take if you have been accused of driving under the influence of alcohol. The cost will depend on the level of expertise, the severity of the charge, and other factors.

Ultimately, working with an experienced attorney will likely be a wise financial decision. If you find yourself in this situation, contact a local lawyer to receive a quote specific to your case.

Check out our other blog posts for more helpful advice and tips.