How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost?
If you were recently arrested for driving under the influence, you may be looking at several major penalties. These penalties may include fines, the suspension of your license, and jail time. An experienced criminal defense lawyer specializing in DUIs may be able to help reduce your penalties.
But how much does a DUI lawyer cost?
In this article, we’re taking a closer look at the question – How much does a DUI lawyer cost anyway?
How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost?
Have you been charged with a DUI? You might be wondering whether you can afford to contact a criminal defense lawyer. Truthfully, there is no easy answer to this question. Most attorneys bill on a case-by-case basis and the complexities of the case will play a significant role in how much they charge.
The best way to judge whether you can afford a criminal defense lawyer is to contact one for a consultation, but we want to help you get informed before you proceed. The information in this post will help you better understand the importance of hiring a lawyer and how much the average criminal defense lawyer charges.
So, how much does a DUI lawyer cost and do you find one?
What is a DUI?
DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence, which is a criminal offense in every U.S. state. It may also be referred to as Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), “Operating While Impaired” (OWI), or “Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence” (OVI) in areas outside of California. However, all of these acronyms describe the same thing: a driver who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle and operates it despite being drunk, high or otherwise intoxicated by one or more substances.
Most DUI cases do involve alcohol, but that does not mean you can only be charged if you drink and drive. The same charges apply to drive while impaired by virtually any intoxicating substance; this includes marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, and even prescribed medications.
Related: Can You Be Convincted of DUI without a Breathalyzer Test
What is the Penalty for a DUI?
DUI penalties vary widely depending on where the incident occurs and whether or not the person charged has any prior convictions. Whether or not the person driving drunk caused some type of harm or injury to others also plays a role. Thus, an individual who is facing their fourth offense, or someone who strikes a pedestrian while driving drunk, will face much stiffer punishments than the person who is charged for the first time by chance at a stop check.
In the state of California, most DUIs are prosecuted as a misdemeanor. Penalties include license suspension for up to six months and/or a fine of between $390 to $1,000. Jail time is possible (up to 6 months); however, this is exceptionally rare in uncomplicated first offenses.
Subsequent convictions raise fines and penalties dramatically:
Second DUI
- A fine of $390 to $1000
- 2-year license suspension
- Up to six months in jail
Third DUI
- A fine of $390 to $1000
- 3-year license suspension
- Up to 1 year in jail
Fourth DUI
- A fine of $390 to $1000
- 4-year license suspension
- Up to 3 years in jail
It is important to note that any DUI involving harm to a third party and/or their property automatically carries a risk for a three-year license suspension and/or up-to a full year in jail – even if it is the first offense.
Harm also allows prosecutors to file the charge as a felony, which means drivers may face fines of up to $5,000, up to five years’ license suspension, and up to 16 years in jail.
Related: What Happens When You Get a DUI in California?
What Can a DUI Lawyer Do For You?
A DUI lawyer is your personal guarantee that you can mount the most effective defense possible from the moment of arrest through your day in court. They can also help ensure that your rights are always respected throughout the process.
DUI laws can be exceptionally complex, and the process used by officers to arrest someone on suspicion of DUI isn’t always reliable. It is not only possible to be charged for a DUI you didn’t commit (called false DUI) but also to have your charges invalidated by the steps the officer takes to arrest you at the scene.
For example, officers can only pull you over if they have a valid suspicion that you are committing some type of crime. Police cannot pull you over out of bias or just because you happen to be driving late at night. If they arrest you, they must read you your Miranda Rights right away. They cannot harass you, assault you, force you to take a field sobriety test against your will, or charge you with DUI just for being a passenger in a vehicle with another driver.
Identifying, arguing, and presenting facts like these might seem easy, but this is rarely the case. Not only will you need to go up against the prosecutor, who likely has years of experience in law, but you will also need to know how DUI laws work, which loopholes apply, and how to present the evidence for an effective defense.
A criminal defense attorney, on the other hand, has experience handling DUI charges and knows how to spot important red flags. They spend years developing a deeper understanding of the law itself and will know exactly how they apply to your situation and whether the protocols used were legitimate. As legal experts, they are far better equipped to help you protect your rights and fight your case in court. In some cases, a DUI lawyer might be able to effectively arrange for the inclusion of your enrollment in a Los Angeles IOP treatment facility.
Sure, choosing to defend yourself might save you a few dollars – but you might also sabotage your chances of success in the process. Is it really worth the risk?
How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost?
The national average price for a criminal defense lawyer in a DUI case is between $1600 and $2250.
However, it is extremely important to note that attorneys don’t necessarily all follow the same rate schedule or even the same billing style. As previously mentioned, the lawyer you connect with might charge less than this or more depending on the complexity of your case.
How to Find a Good DUI Lawyer
If The best way to find a criminal defense attorney who is both effective and affordable is to call a lawyer referral service. These licensed and regulated organizations specialize in helping people find attorneys who are not only proven to produce results but also have the right skills and experience to handle a DUI case.
Are you in search for a certified attorney to represent you?
Let us help you find one today!