Facing a DUI charge in Lake Forest is costly. While a first-time DUI offense used to be no more than a fine, penalties have become very strict in recent years. And if you’re facing a second DUI offense or more, you could be looking at tens of thousands of dollars in fees and fines along with prison time. For this reason, every DUI defendant should have a good lawyer on their side. With a DUI defense lawyer who focuses only on DUI defense, you’ll have the best chance possible of getting your charges lessened or even, in some cases, dropped altogether. If you or a loved one has been arrested for DUI, it’s time to contact a Lake Forest DUI lawyer.
Our law group knows a good DUI lawyer has knowledge of what the prosecution will use against you and how to craft a defense that will get you a good deal, at the least, and potentially keep you from going to jail or losing your driver’s license. To get a FREE consultation with a top Lake Forest DUI lawyer as soon as possible, call us today at (310) 862-0199 or fill out the form on this page.
How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost In Dana Point?
The cost of working with a Dana Point lawyer depends on the experience of the lawyer, the amount of time they must devote to your case, and various other factors. Since every case is different and most DUI attorneys charge by the hour, they can’t provide a specific price upfront. But having professional, seasoned DUI defense on your side can pay off significantly.
DUI cases are tough, and your chances of a better outcome are largely increased by working with a lawyer who knows how the prosecution thinks and has the time and resources to dive deep into your case. In almost all cases, it’s far riskier to face a DUI charge without a defense lawyer.
Here’s a breakdown of where typical DUI lawyer fees come from and how you can choose the best attorney for your situation:
Case Complexity
Some cases are fairly simple, while others are more complicated.
For example, if you were arrested for DUI but have no prior record and had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that was not far outside of the legal limit, it might be fairly easy for your lawyer to win your case or at least negotiate lighter penalties. However, in cases where you have other charges on your record, have past convictions, or someone was injured during the DUI, your attorney will need to spend more time to fight long and hard on the best outcome for you.
The more complex a case, the more time it typically takes—which will normally increase the overall price.
Experience Level of the Lawyer
This is very important to remember: You get what you pay for. This rule applies to most things in life, and DUI lawyers are no exception. Good lawyers are going to charge more because they have:
- Strong track records of winning cases (getting their clients off free)
- Years of experience working in DUI cases
- Exclusivity: they primarily take on DUI cases
- Thoughtfulness and professionalism: they’ll treat you with respect, give their full attention to your case, and truly care about your outcome
A lawyer with a low hourly rate will be tempting, but chances are it’s because they are less experienced—and these are rarely the legal professionals you’ll want representing you for a DUI charge. Plus, the hourly rate might seem low, but there are often other hidden fees that make the overall cost high anyway.
Extra Costs (and Perks)
Each DUI lawyer will have different rules for how they handle additional fees and extra offerings. For example, some will charge separately for certain things, such as a fee for re-testing a blood sample in the lab or subpoenaing evidence, that is outside of the hourly fee. Other times, lawyers will provide certain services at no cost, such as transporting you to court if your driver’s license was suspended.
When you consult with a DUI lawyer, ask about any additional fees or perks not included in their hourly rate. A good DUI lawyer will be upfront about these. And speaking of fees, the consultation should always be FREE. Some lawyers will try to charge for the first consultation, but the best DUI defense lawyers will keep consultations free of charge. During the consultation, they’ll get to introduce themselves and learn about your case details so:
- They can tell you what they can do for you, based on your situation, and
- You can make the most informed decision about working with them before paying any money
What If I’m Facing a Drug DUI Charge?
Most people assume a DUI charge refers to driving under the influence of alcohol, but this isn’t the only type of DUI. Under California law, it’s illegal to operate a motor vehicle when impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, or medication. “Drugs” include any substance besides alcohol that impacts your brain, nervous system, or muscles.
And a drug DUI can be just a serious as an alcohol-related one. The law treats driving under the influence the same no matter what the substance is. If someone has a prior alcohol DUI and gets arrested for a drug DUI, the new DUI will count as a second offense DUI.
You can be charged with a drug DUI even if:
- You were driving under the influence of a legal drug, such as a prescription medication or over-the-counter medicine like Tylenol
- The drug doesn’t impair your driving (if it affects your nervous system or muscles, it can count as a DUI)
- Your driving while using medicinal marijuana, which is legal in California
Many people don’t know that any drug, even a prescription drug, that causes blurred vision, drowsiness, dizziness, or hallucinations can fall under the drug DUI category. However, DUI cases that involve illegal drugs like meth, crack, or cocaine are the most serious because, on top of the drug DUI, you can also be charged with “possession of an illegal substance.”
Whether the DUI results from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a good DUI lawyer will work to help you fight against the charge.
Talk to a Lake Forest DUI Lawyer Today
Don’t get left without proper legal defense following a DUI in Lake Forest. An experienced DUI lawyer will provide your best chance for an ideal outcome—possibly even winning your case altogether. To get a FREE consultation with a local attorney who specializes in DUI cases, contact us today. During your free consultation, you’ll discuss the details of your case and your best options moving forward. To get started as soon as possible, call us today at (310) 862-0199, or fill out the form to the right.
