Lawyer Fees And Your DUI: What To Expect

Getting a DUI can be expensive, to say the least. There are many things to pay for, including the bail or bond to be released from jail, getting a car out of the impound lot, court costs and fines and the real kicker attorney fees. DUI lawyer’s fees can really get up there, as defending a person facing a DUI charge can take up a lot of time. It is in your best interest to find an experienced, well-trained attorney whom you can trust will work hard for you. If you plan on being the best position to win your DUI case and avoiding the negative consequences of losing your driver’s license and being sentenced to jail, it is important to find a way to make financial arrangements with the right attorney.

There are a few different fee arrangements to consider when hiring a DUI attorney. Some fee structures make more sense for DUI cases than others.

Hourly Rates

Hourly rates vary from lawyer to lawyer. They can depend on your location, your charge, and experience in your field as well as the expenses related to defending you. A more experienced lawyer is likely to do a better job and charge more hourly than a lawyer with a less impressive track record.

Retainers

A retainer fee is a different kind of payment arrangement with your attorney. On this type of case, an advanced payment is made to cover the expenses and hourly cost of representation. The money is put into a special account or trust, and they pay themselves from this fund as the cost of your services builds over time.

Flat Fees

Some attorneys charge a flat fee for their services. In a complicated DUI case that requires extensive research and the calling forth of expert witnesses, you may not be able to negotiate a flat fee. However, flat fees can be to your advantage, as you know what you are financially expected to do from the very start.

There are several different fee arrangements that you can work out with your attorney. Most people don’t have savings set aside just for defending themselves in DUI cases, and a lawyer is expensive. Talk to your attorney about setting up payment arrangements where you can pay weekly, monthly or bi-monthly. If you choose the right attorney, it should be well-worth the cost.