How Much Does a DUI Attorney Charge

If you have recently been arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you are sure to have some expenses ahead of you. Although the legal name differs based on state law, a DUI is the most frequently committed crime in the United States. In any case, you will most likely require a DUI attorney to defend you in court. Since prices can vary, you may be asking yourself �how much does a DUI attorney charge?� In general, it will depend on the way that they bill their clients.

How Do DUI Attorneys Bill Clients?

There are two standard types of billing practices used by DUI attorneys. Most commonly used is the hourly fee. The hourly fee structure allows the attorney to bill the client by the hour. While this may seem like the most affordable way, it isn�t always. The fees can add up when you include travel time and casual meetings.

Other attorneys offer a flat free. Flat fees are ideal as they enable the client to learn what they will be paying prior to receiving the services. Again, be on the lookout for additional fees. While some attorneys offer a flat, all-encompassing fee, others charge additional fees when it comes to the trial. Speak to attorneys to determine which would be best for your individual DUI case.

How Much Does a DUI Attorney Charge?

Rates for DUI attorneys can be competitive. Some factors that go into calculating how much you pay an attorney include the billing method preferred by the attorney and client, billing rate within the billing method, time it takes to resolve the case, and other legal expenses that must be paid outside of the attorney�s time. More experienced, busier attorneys tend to charge more for their services, while newer attorneys tend to start out with lower prices.

A DUI attorney may charge a flat fee or hourly fee at a rate of $100 to $300 or more. Attorneys who charge by the hour typically deduct the hourly rate from the retainer as the work is performed. Once the work is done, the client is billed for the remaining portion.

For a first-time offender, a client with a DUI with the intention to plead guilty may accumulate flat fees between $500 and $1,200 or more. Many experienced DUI attorneys prefer to change higher fees to allow them to represent fewer cases � in which they can devote more time to each individual case.

Legal fees for repeat offenders can start around $1,500 and go upwards to $5,000 or more. This will depend on the number of past convictions and the complexity of each individual case. Repeat-offenders often have heavier penalties.

How much does a DUI attorney charge? As stated, it generally depends on a wide range of factors, from the state in which you reside to the pay the attorney bills clients. You will generally not have time to waste when searching for a credible DUI attorney, so ensure that you ask the right questions during the interview phase of your attorney search.