How Much Does it Cost to Hire a DUI Lawyer?

In California, legal fees vary based on the DUI attorney’s experience and the severity of your particular DUI case. Factors such as having prior DUIs, a high blood-alcohol level, any accident/injuries, speeding, or a test refusal could increase your costs. Obviously if you have a felony DUI and we need to go to trial your legal fees will be higher.

Given all of the fines and penalties that follow a DUI conviction in California, hiring a DUI lawyer is often a less expensive option, because we often get DUI charges reduced or dismissed, and we often reduce the fines you have to pay the state of California.

As a general rule of thumb though, you can expect to pay anywhere between $2500 – $5000 for a first DUI, and between $4000 – $8000 for a 2nd or 3rd DUI. Unlike many DUI law firms, we will quote you a flat fee that includes everything except trial costs. (We get the majority of our DUI cases settled or dismissed before trial, but if trial is necessary we’ll sit down, plan our strategy and proceed from there.

Additionally, we deal with the DMV every single day, and knowing how to navigate the waters of the dreaded DMV is often instrumental in helping you keep your driving privileges. A private DUI attorney also offers the advantage of being able to appear in court on your behalf without you having to be there in most cases.

At the end of the day, it’s your life, your criminal record, your drivers license and your future…it’s ultimately up to you what you think that’s worth. As millions of Californians know, history proves that drivers who obtain legal counsel achieve much better results in court than those who forego representation.

Remember, with the numerous fines and penalties you face if you’re convicted of DUI, hiring a DUI lawyer is often one of the best investments you’ll make. And remember, you’re not investing in us…you’re investing in yourself.