The cost to hire a DUI lawyer in California will vary based on several factors. Law firms in Orange County and other areas of California set their prices based on their size, level of experience, and the time they’ll have to spend on your case.
Generally, working with a Los Angeles DUI lawyer will cost a few thousand dollars, including attorney fees and all additional costs associated with your case. While this may seem like a lot of money, many drivers find that hiring a lawyer saves them money in the long run.
A DUI conviction can cost you thousands, result in jail time, and result in a license suspension. A conviction can impact your life for up to a decade, so get fast help from a criminal defense lawyer.
Costs of Hiring a California DUI Lawyer
How much does a DUI lawyer cost in California? The cost of hiring a California DUI lawyer depends on several factors, including how experienced the attorney is and how much time they spend on your case.
Generally, attorneys cannot give a set price upfront. They will charge by the hour. However, the work of a DUI attorney can pay off substantially – it can make a real difference in your case and your future. It’s unwise to face a CA Vehicle Code 23152 (a) charge without one.
To help you get the most out of your attorney and find one worth the attorney fee, you should look for a firm with a good reputation and experience with DUI claims. First, however, you should keep these two crucial things in mind before you even start shopping for an attorney:
The Consultation Should Be Free
Some lawyers make you pay for your initial consultation, while others provide it for free. In the field of DUI defense, reputable lawyers always offer free consultations. These consultations give you information so you can make an educated decision before selecting a law firm.
An experienced DUI lawyer knows they can only tell you what they can do for you after reviewing the facts about your arrest, so they let you come in and talk about your situation for free.
At your consultation, they can review all complicating factors for your case, your chances to successfully resolve your charges, DUI strategies that could help, and how much (approximately) you might expect to pay through potential costs.
You Get What You Pay For
Many lawyers advertise strikingly low fees to handle DUI cases. These are rarely the lawyers you want representing you in court. When the price is low, there’s a reason.
They may have hidden fees when they start analyzing evidence or simply lack experience. They may prove unable to make a difference in the resolution of your case. Lawyers with a good track record in the courtroom do not have garage sale prices for their legal services.
You should consider all these factors when wondering how much a DUI lawyer costs in California.
What Determines a DUI Lawyer’s Fee?
Almost all DUI lawyers work based on an hourly rate. Therefore, the final cost of their legal services will depend on how much time a lawyer spends on your case. Three factors affect what you’ll pay a DUI lawyer:
The Complexity of Your Case
Some DUI cases are straightforward. For example, lawyers may expect to negotiate a plea bargain or win your case if your blood alcohol content (BAC) was close to the legal limit and if you have no record.
Other cases are more complex: there may be other charges besides DUI, someone was injured, or you have past convictions on your criminal record. You should inform your lawyer if someone has a personal injury claim against you.
Attorneys know they will have to fight harder and longer to get a favorable outcome in these cases. The more complex cases take more time, so they cost more.
Included Costs
Does your DUI lawyer charge you a lab fee to re-test your blood sample? Do they pass on fees for subpoenaing evidence? Alternatively, do they offer free perks – like a free ride to court hearings if you have a suspended license?
There is no right or wrong answer to these questions, but you should ask upfront what lawyers include in their hourly fee for legal representation. These factors influence how much a DUI lawyer costs in California.
The Attorney’s Experience Level
Good lawyers charge more. The lawyer you want representing you is someone that judges respect, who has a good reputation for winning in the courtroom, and who has years of experience. They should focus primarily on DUI cases.
These lawyers will cost more per hour, but the added cost will be worth it. They’re also more likely to give you their full attention, treat you with respect, and care about the outcome of your case, helping you avoid the stringent penalties associated with a DUI conviction.
Is the Cost of a DUI Lawyer Worth It?
The best DUI lawyers sincerely want to see you win your case and be able to move on with your life. They will work with you to offer you the consultation for free, and they may even have a payment plan available.
And remember that a victory in a DUI case can save you thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. In many cases, working with a Los Angeles DUI attorney will pay for itself.
Common DUI Lawyer Traps to Avoid
Not all lawyers who say they do DUI defense have your best interests at heart. Some are just looking to make quick money. Luckily, you can identify and avoid these types of “sharks.”
Here are some of the traps to look for when selecting an attorney:
They Hand You Off
At the consultation, ask the lawyer if they will be handling your case personally. If they plan to hand you off to a younger attorney, it’s a bad sign. Some firms have multiple experienced DUI attorneys working together—that’s fine.
However, if the experienced attorney is just there to reel you in, you should keep looking.
They Offer Surprisingly Low Fees
Some attorneys will offer an unrealistically low fee, only to tell you to plead guilty at the first chance. They are not watching your back. The attorney may promise they can finish your case for a fixed rate.
No attorney can predict how long a case will take. No one can guarantee a win in a criminal case, even for a first-time misdemeanor DUI.
Discuss the Cost of Hiring a DUI Lawyer in California
So, how much does a DUI lawyer cost in California? The costs to secure legal representation vary.
The best way to determine what your case will cost is to go to a consultation and ask. We can match you with an experienced, dedicated Los Angeles DUI attorney who offers a FREE consultation. Fill out our confidential contact form or call and get your consultation today.
