The cost of the lawyer is one of the biggest concerns when a person is facing a DUI charge. If you have been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, hiring an experienced DUI lawyer becomes vital to get the desired outcome.
The person wishing to defend themselves in court has to pay court fees, legal fines, application charges, and the cost of the lawyer. It is worth the expense to have a qualified lawyer by your side to keep you out of prison and have your license suspended.
How Much Does a Lawyer Charge For a DUI Case?
As everyone knows hiring a lawyer is not inexpensive, however, it is worth having an experienced lawyer if you do not want to face jail time and pay fines.
On average, hiring a DUI lawyer costs anywhere between $1500 to $10000. However, a Boise Criminal Defense lawyer costs around 7000$. is nearly impossible to give a flat rate as it depends on the complexity of the case, the DUI lawyer’s experience, and the potential trial. Lawyers will also take into account if the person is a first-time or habitual offender.
DUI defense lawyers who have just finished law school and handled a few DUI cases will charge less than a competent attorney. Here is a rough estimate of what a DUI lawyer may charge for a first offense
- Inexperienced Lawyer – A lawyer who has only handled a few drunk driving cases will charge between $1500 to $2000.
- Competent Lawyer – A lawyer having a few years of experience in defending DUI charges will cost $2500 to $3500.
- Experienced Lawyer – Expert lawyers, who enjoy a good reputation and have ample experience in handling DUI charges, will cost $4000 to $7500.
A lawyer will certainly charge higher if it is the client’s second or third DUI arrest. Also, if DUI is a felony meaning it resulted in a serious injury or death, the time spent on the case as well as court appearances will increase resulting in higher legal costs.
In case of a felony, an inexperienced attorney may charge $2000 to $3000 while competent lawyers may cost between $3500 to $4500. On the other hand, an experienced DUI lawyer will charge anywhere between $5000 to $10000.
Factors Determining the Cost of a Lawyer
- Experience – An attorney’s experience and track record are determining factors when it comes to the cost. Lawyers who have successfully handled similar cases over the years will charge more than inexperienced ones.
- Potential Trial – If the case goes to trial, it means more paperwork and court appearances for the lawyer. Furthermore, it may take months to resolve the matter, therefore, the attorney will charge higher.
Complexity of the Case – A lawyer will charge a fee based on the complexity of the case. The lawyer will consider if it is the second, third, or fourth DUI and whether the car crash caused serious injuries or death.
Lastly, it is better to consult the local law firm to get a precise estimate of how much a lawyer would charge for a DUI case.