Many drivers want to work with a lawyer after an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI). How much does it cost to hire a DUI lawyer in California? The price to work with a lawyer may vary greatly depending upon the circumstances of your case. However, you could expect the cost to run over a thousand dollars.
Find out more about the costs associated with working with a DUI lawyer right here. You may also consider the services offered by a legal professional if you are facing criminal charges.
Factors that Impact the Cost to Hire a DUI Lawyer
Many DUI lawyers in California are paid at an hourly rate — this means that you end up paying more for a lawyer if your case is complicated. A lawyer may have to charge you more money if they spend more time resolving your claim. It often takes longer to resolve DUI claims if:
- You have prior DUI convictions on your record.
- The court charged you with a felony.
- Someone was hurt prior to your DUI arrest.
- You were arrested for an out-of-county DUI.
It may cost over $1,000 to settle a simple DUI in California, and the costs may be much higher if your DUI case goes to court. You could spend over $10,000 to resolve a court case involving DUI charges.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
Different Law Firms Charge Different Rates for a DUI
Not all DUI lawyers in California charge the same rate. Some lawyers cost substantially less than others. However, you may want to exercise caution about working with a lawyer who charges well below other law firms. Sometimes this may indicate that:
- The lawyer does not have much experience with DUI cases.
- The law firm is not interested in providing you with individualized attention.
More experienced lawyers may charge higher fees for their services. It is up to you to decide on a law firm after a DUI arrest. You might speak to multiple law firms before deciding. Law firms often offer a free consultation. You may discuss your case and potential expenses now.
You May Work with a Public Defender in California
Many drivers hire a private DUI lawyer to handle their charges. However, you are not required to work with a private lawyer. You may, instead, choose to work with a public defender. You may still pay a fee to work with a public defender in California.
The fee to work with a public defender varies by county but could be as low as $25 in many cases. Some counties allow defendants to waive the fee if they cannot afford it — this may enable you to get legal representation if you cannot afford an expensive private lawyer.
Services Provided by California DUI Lawyers
As you can see, you could end up paying hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars to a DUI lawyer in California. In exchange for your payment, a DUI lawyer may help you in multiple ways. Your lawyer may:
- Stand up for you during questioning by prosecutors or police officers.
- Perform their own investigation of the charges you’re facing.
- Work to get your DUI charges dismissed.
- Take steps to resolve your charges with a plea bargain.
- Defend you in court to secure a not-guilty verdict.
Your lawyer may also help with your hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You have 10 days to request this hearing after your DUI arrest. Failure to request a hearing allows the DMV to suspend your driver’s license automatically in California.
Note that there are many severe penalties for a DUI conviction in California. Working with a lawyer may seem expensive. However, a lawyer could help you avoid thousands of dollars in fines. Your lawyer may also protect your driving privileges and help keep your insurance premiums from going up. Finally, a lawyer may help you avoid jail time. Even a first-time DUI conviction in California could result in six months of jail time. Get help building your defense right now.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Find Out How Much a DUI Lawyer in California Costs
There is no set price to work with a DUI lawyer in California. You may contact the Simmrin Law Group now for an estimate on the costs to handle your case. You may reach us immediately after a DUI arrest. We also have an online contact form you can use.
We provide clients in your situation with a free consultation. Get information about how we can help and our rates right now.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form