Drunk Driving Lawyer Fees

Finding the Lawyer That’s Right for Your Budget

When you are facing DUI charges, life gets hectic. You’re wondering what will happen to you and equally concerned about finding the right lawyer. And when you think of a lawyer you immediately think of money. So how much is it really going to cost you? It depends on the type of lawyer you’re seeking, their experience, where they are located and a number of other factors. But you can be prepared. Take a look at these helpful tips and you’re sure to find the lawyer that fits you and your budget.

When you find a lawyer you’re interested in working with ask them to tell you their fees. It is always a good idea to have a written contract, which explains all fees in detail. The most important question is if the written contract includes all fees associated with the litigation process or if it is just a retainer.

Also, you’ll want to find out if the fees include other incidental expenses such as license hearings, testimonies of experts, blood reanalysis and the costs of a subpoena. Other expenses can also occur during the course of a hearing so you’ll want to inquire about that as well.

Attorneys who specialize in DUI often charge by the hours they spent working on your case. A sign of an experienced attorney is if he or she takes on fewer clients to devote as much of their time as possible to each case.

Other factors that contribute to DUI lawyers’ fees are the particulars of your case. If you were charged with a felony or have previous convictions, your lawyer will have to work harder for your defense, thus the rates will be higher. Also, if there are any appeals, retrials or litigation costs from handling an administrative license suspension, this will make the fees higher.

It’s important to know that lawyers charge differently. Some charge by the hour, ask for a retainer in advance and others a fixed fee to cover the entire case. When your lawyer has quoted you for fees, make sure you ask for a written contract. If you don’t understand part of the agreement, ask!