It is impossible to provide a very firm answer to the question of DUI lawyer costs. Some DUI attorneys act like little more than clerks – they file the appropriate papers and make one or two court appearances for you. Other DUI attorneys provide a more vigorous defense – they hardball negotiate with prosecutors, file extra motions, etc. If your case involves a commercial license, prior offenses, an accident or other enhancements, or other factors, you will likely be asked to pay significantly higher for a qualified DUI attorney. In the rare event your DUI case goes to trial, you can expect additional fees.
On top of the variations in your specific DUI case, there are other factors that influence the costs of a DUI attorney. Often but not always, DUI attorney fees are higher in Southern California cities than Northern ones. In more remote areas of the state, fees are typically lower for basic cases, but if you need to bring in a big city DUI attorney, costs can be much more.
The best way to determine California DUI lawyer costs is to meet with several of them. Most DUI attorneys offer a free initial consultation during which they will clearly outline their fee structure.
