DUI Attorney Costs - What to Expect in Colorado Springs

Not all DUI attorneys are created equal, so it would also make sense that DUI attorney costs vary from city to city and state to state. Fortunately, the differences in pricing and services are not that dramatic. For the person seeking legal representation in a standard DUI case, attorneys’ fees may be fairly competitive.

While the actual laws surrounding driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) are among the most frequently committed crimes in the U.S., that doesn’t mean that your hearing will go well. Judges don’t tend to be all that lenient with DUI cases, even if it is your first offense. As a result, it’s important to realize that hiring a lawyer is in your best interests despite the costs. In general, you will already be paying hefty fines for the DUI charge and risk the suspension of your driver’s license, depending on which stage of the legal process you are in. Some judges may waive part of the fines, but there is nothing that can be done to waive the conviction. That is something that could stay with you for the rest of your life.

What are the average DUI attorney costs nationwide?

A DUI or DWI attorney might charge anywhere from $100 to $300 per hour. Many can be hired directly over the phone and even accept credit cards for their services. If the attorney asks for a retainer, he or she will deduct their hourly rate from the retainer as work is done. Once the retainer is exhausted, you will be billed for any additional hours. Some Colorado Springs DUI attorneys will offer a free initial consultation to go over the facts of the case while others will charge an hourly rate for that time.

A first-time charge of DUI/DWI, when there are no disputed facts and the defendant intends to plead guilty, is usually around $500 to $1,200, but many experienced DUI lawyers may charge an hourly fee. You may find that some law firms charge higher fees than average when people seek help with a DUI charge, but this may be their way of keeping a manageable base of customers.

For repeat offenders, legal fees start around $1,500 -$5,000, which will depend upon the number of past convictions and the complexity of the case. Repeated offenses often carry heavier penalties, and in many states a third DUI/DWI charge is automatically a felony.