This article shares everything you need to know to answer the question How Much Do Lawyers Charge for DUI?
If you want to know how much a lawyer charges for a DUI jump ahead, click here.
This article shares everything you need to know to answer the question How Much Do Lawyers Charge for DUI?
If you want to know how much a lawyer charges for a DUI jump ahead, click here.
How Much Do Lawyers Charge for DUI: Lawyer DUI Costs (2025)
If so, you’re in the right place! In this article we not only answer your question but answer other questions you are likely to have such as “Do you have to go to court for a DUI if you have a lawyer,” “How much do most lawyers charge for a DUI,” “How much does a DUI in CA cost,” and “What is the best case for a first time DUI?”
Being charged with a DUI or having a loved one charged with a DUI is extremely stressful and costly. In this article we dive into how much lawyers charge for a DUI, but it’s important to know there are other costs associated with getting a DUI besides lawyers fees.
Additional fees you need to be aware of are out-of-pocket court costs, fees to have your license reinstated, increased insurance costs, Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installation and leasing, court appointed DUI and alcohol education programs, and more. All this information may have your heart racing. The good news is now you won’t be taken by surprise when the costs come up and even better news, DUI lawyers take payments and have six different payment options.
Now that you have an understanding of charges associated with a DUI that are not lawyer fees, let’s answer your question “How much do lawyers charge for DUI.”
If you’re ready to learn how much lawyers charge for a DUI, then keep reading now!
Table of Contents
How Much Do Lawyers Charge for DUI (It Depends)
The answer to your question “How much do lawyers charge for DUI” is — it depends. Lawyer fees for a first time DUI offense will generally cost between $2,000.00 – $15,000.00. This is if you choose to hire a lawyer on your own. If you can’t afford a lawyer then you are appointed a public defender.
Public defender lawyer representation is free or offered on a scaling scale if you can prove economic hardship and/or low or no income.
Even if you can’t afford a lawyer it is worth speaking with DUI lawyers that offer free consultations. During a consultation they will share insights into how they would handle your case. These insights can be extremely valuable information to you. In addition, you can ask what type of payment plans they offer. Most DUI lawyers offer six different types of payment plans. You just have to ask.
How Much Do Lawyers Charge for DUI (Variables that Impact Lawyers Fees):
- Was this a first time DUI offense
- Where did the DUI take place (local or out-of-county)
- Was there an accident
- How was blood alcohol level determined, will retesting of samples be required
- Were there injuries
- Was there property damage
- Were there economic damages (e.g. your DUI included an accident with someone, and they can’t work because of injuries)
- Were there complications during arrest
- Were there aggravating circumstances such as children involved
- Was there a probation violation
- Will you accept a plea deal or do you want to go to trial
- What is the lawyer’s level of experience
All the variables above significantly impact how much a lawyer charges for a DUI. The less complicated your case, the less you will pay.
It’s important to note that when your rights are on the line, cheaper is not always better. Also, just because a lawyer has years of experience it doesn’t mean they will be the best fit.
Many younger lawyers often have a chip on their shoulder that works to your benefit. They have something to prove and may go above and beyond for you and because they have fewer years on the job they can’t charge as much as a lawyer with decades of experience.
How Much Do Lawyers Charge for DUI (California Example)
According to Bryan R. Kazarian, Esq., a DUI Lawyer in California, DUI lawyers charge between $1,000.00 – $70,000.00. This breaks down as follows:
- First Misdemeanor: Between $1,000.00 – $10,000.00.
- Complex DUI (Serious injury and/or death): With an experienced lawyer cost more than $70,000.00.
How Much Do Lawyers Charge for DUI (FAQ)
Do you have to go to court for a DUI if you have a lawyer
If you hire a DUI lawyer, you may not need to go to court in person for every hearing. Your requirement to go to court depends on the details of your case.
It’s important to know that if you miss a required court date without legal excuse, a bench warrant may be issued for your arrest.
The times the answer to your question “Do you have to go to court for a DUI if you have a lawyer” is an absolute yes are:
- You got a felony DUI (e.g. there were injuries, a child was in the car or involved, you have multiple DUIs).
- The judge requires your presence.
- Sentencing hearing.
- If you don’t give your lawyer permission to appear without you.
It’s always recommended to confirm with your attorney whether your presence is required and/or if your presence will help to facilitate a more favorable outcome.
How much do most lawyers charge for a DUI
If the DUI case is straightforward, is a first-time offense, and is a first-time misdemeanor, most DUI lawyers charge between $1,000.00 – $10,000.00.
How much does a DUI in CA cost
A first time misdemeanor DUI in CA costs between $1,000.00 – $10,000.00. A complex DUI where there is serious injury and/or death can cost more than $70,000.00 (with an experienced lawyer).
What is the best case for a first time DUI
The absolute best case for a first DUI is to have the charges dropped and the DUI dismissed. Other best case scenarios for a first time DUI include:
- An acquittal at trial, meaning you are found not guilty
- Getting a Wet and Reckless plea bargain, which is like a DUI with less severe consequences
- Getting reduced charges, your lawyer negotiates down to traffic charges
- Minimal penalties, your lawyer negotiates minimum fines and jail time