🚔 DUI Lawyer Cost Calculator - Estimate Your Defense Cost

DUI Lawyer Cost Calculator 2026

Question 1 of 20 What type of DUI charge are you facing? First-Time DUI cases cost less than Multiple DUIs. Felony DUI charges with injuries or death require more expensive defense strategies. First-Time DUI (Misdemeanor) Second DUI Offense Third DUI / Multiple Offenses Felony DUI (Injury/Death) Aggravated DUI (High BAC) DUI Drugs / Marijuana

Question 2 of 20 What was your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)? BAC Level affects case complexity. High BAC (0.15+) cases require more aggressive defense and increase DUI Attorney Fees. 0.08-0.10 (Just Over Limit) 0.11-0.14 (Moderate BAC) 0.15-0.19 (High BAC) 0.20+ (Very High BAC) Refused Breathalyzer Test Drug DUI (No BAC)

🍺 BAC Levels and DUI Defense Complexity: Blood alcohol content (BAC) measurements significantly impact DUI case complexity and attorney fees, with levels just above 0.08% legal limit offering stronger defense opportunities than extreme intoxication cases. Borderline BAC cases between 0.08-0.10% allow DUI lawyers to challenge breathalyzer calibration, rising blood alcohol defenses, and margin-of-error arguments that can result in charge reductions or dismissals. Moderate BAC levels of 0.11-0.14% represent standard DUI cases where defense focuses on procedural violations, faulty testing equipment, improper traffic stops, and field sobriety test inaccuracies rather than contesting intoxication itself. Aggravated DUI charges triggered by BAC exceeding 0.15-0.20% in most states result in enhanced penalties including longer license suspensions, mandatory jail time, and ignition interlock requirements making vigorous legal defense more critical. Extreme DUI with BAC over 0.20% faces felony charges in some jurisdictions, minimum mandatory sentences, and significantly higher fines requiring experienced criminal defense attorneys specializing in serious DUI cases. Breathalyzer refusal creates administrative license suspension automatically in all states but eliminates BAC evidence prosecutors use for conviction, sometimes making cases easier to defend despite refusal penalties. Blood test results obtained hours after arrest allow defense challenges based on rising blood alcohol, improper blood draw procedures, chain-of-custody issues, and laboratory errors that breath tests don't face. Drug DUI cases without alcohol involvement rely on officer observations, field sobriety tests, and blood tests for marijuana, prescription medications, or illegal drugs requiring different defense strategies than alcohol DUIs. Multiple substances combining alcohol with drugs compound case complexity and potential penalties, often requiring toxicology experts and medical testimony about impairment levels. Retrograde extrapolation by prosecution experts attempts proving BAC at driving time exceeded legal limits even if later tests showed lower levels, requiring defense expert witnesses to counter these calculations. Understanding how BAC affects defense strategy helps defendants budget for appropriate legal representation matching their case's specific challenges and potential consequences.

Question 3 of 20 Was there an accident or property damage? DUI with Accident increases charges and legal fees. Property Damage or Injuries require more extensive defense work. No Accident (Traffic Stop Only) Minor Accident (Property Damage Only) Accident with Injuries (Misdemeanor) Serious Injury / Felony DUI Fatality / Vehicular Homicide

Question 4 of 20 Were there any minors in the vehicle? DUI with Child Passenger elevates charges to Aggravated DUI in most states, requiring more aggressive legal defense and increasing costs. No Minors in Vehicle Minor Passenger (Under 18) Young Child Passenger (Under 12)

👶 DUI with Child Endangerment Charges: DUI with minor passengers triggers child endangerment charges in most states, elevating misdemeanor DUI to aggravated or felony status with enhanced penalties including extended jail time, higher fines, and potential child custody implications. Age thresholds vary by state with many jurisdictions defining minors as under 14-16 years old for enhanced DUI charges, while some states apply stricter penalties for children under 12 or infants creating most severe consequences. Additional criminal charges beyond DUI itself can include child abuse, reckless endangerment, or contributing to delinquency of a minor, each carrying separate penalties and requiring comprehensive legal defense strategies. Child Protective Services (CPS) involvement often results from DUI arrests with children present, potentially leading to home investigations, removal of children from custody, supervised visitation requirements, and mandatory parenting classes. Custody battle implications in divorce or separation cases use DUI child endangerment arrests as evidence of parental unfitness, threatening existing custody arrangements and visitation rights requiring family law coordination with criminal defense. Mandatory minimum sentences for DUI with children frequently exceed standard first-offense DUI penalties by 30-90 days jail time, $1,000-$5,000 additional fines, and extended probation terms. License suspension periods double or triple when minors were endangered, with some states imposing 1-2 year revocations versus 3-6 months for standard first DUI offenses. Ignition interlock requirements extend longer for child endangerment cases, with some jurisdictions mandating devices for entire license suspension period plus probation rather than partial installation periods. Professional consequences prove particularly severe for teachers, childcare workers, coaches, and others working with children, as child endangerment DUI convictions often trigger automatic employment termination and professional license revocations. Second offense penalties with child endangerment escalate to automatic felony charges in several states, ensuring prison time, permanent criminal records, and loss of gun rights and voting privileges. Defense strategies for these cases focus on challenging whether children were actually endangered, questioning sobriety test accuracy, negotiating plea bargains to lesser charges without child endangerment language, and demonstrating mitigating circumstances to minimize custody and employment impacts.

Question 5 of 20 Do you have a prior criminal record? Clean Record allows better plea bargains. Prior Convictions complicate defense and increase DUI Lawyer Costs. No Prior Criminal Record Prior Misdemeanors (Non-DUI) Prior DUI on Record Multiple Prior Convictions

Question 6 of 20 In which state were you charged? State DUI Laws vary dramatically. California DUI Lawyers and New York DUI Attorneys charge more than rural state lawyers. California New York Florida Texas Illinois Pennsylvania Arizona Georgia Other State

📍 State-by-State DUI Attorney Costs: DUI lawyer fees vary dramatically by state due to differences in cost of living, attorney market saturation, case complexity from varying state laws, and typical sentence severity affecting defense effort required. California DUI attorneys charge $2,500-$10,000+ for first-offense cases in major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, with complex cases involving injuries or multiple offenses reaching $15,000-$25,000 in legal fees. New York DUI lawyers command $3,000-$8,000 for misdemeanor cases in New York City and surrounding areas, with felony DWI charges requiring $10,000-$20,000+ in attorney costs. Florida DUI defense costs range from $1,500-$5,000 for first offenses in smaller markets to $4,000-$12,000 in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa where attorney rates reflect higher living expenses. Texas DUI attorney fees span $1,500-$6,000 statewide with Dallas, Houston, and Austin lawyers charging premium rates of $3,000-$8,000 for standard cases and more for complex defenses. Arizona DUI lawyers charge $1,500-$4,000 for basic first-offense cases but extreme DUI charges with BAC over 0.15% trigger enhanced penalties requiring $4,000-$8,000 in legal representation. Rural state attorneys in Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, and similar areas charge $1,000-$3,000 for straightforward DUI cases reflecting lower overhead costs and reduced competition. Mandatory minimum sentences in strict DUI states like Arizona, Georgia, and Virginia require more aggressive defense strategies increasing average legal costs by 30-50% compared to states with judicial discretion. Administrative license hearings required in most states add $500-$1,500 to total legal costs when attorneys represent clients at DMV proceedings to contest automatic license suspensions. Court system complexity in jurisdictions with specialized DUI courts, mandatory diversion programs, or victim impact panels requires attorneys familiar with local procedures justifying higher fees for experienced local counsel. Understanding your state's typical DUI defense costs helps budget appropriately and evaluate whether quoted attorney fees align with market rates for your jurisdiction and case complexity.

Question 7 of 20 What city or county was the arrest in? Major metropolitan areas have higher Attorney Rates. Rural Counties typically have more affordable DUI Defense Lawyers. Major City (NYC, LA, Chicago, Miami) Mid-Size City (Population 200K-1M) Small City (Population 50K-200K) Rural County / Small Town

Question 8 of 20 What is your attorney's experience level? Board-Certified DUI Specialists charge premium rates. General Practice Attorneys cost less but may lack specialized DUI expertise. Board-Certified DUI Specialist (20+ Years) Experienced DUI Attorney (10-20 Years) Mid-Level DUI Lawyer (5-10 Years) General Criminal Defense Attorney New Attorney (Less Than 5 Years)

⚖️ DUI Attorney Experience and Specialization: Board-certified DUI specialists with 20+ years defending drunk driving cases command premium fees of $5,000-$15,000+ but offer expertise in breathalyzer science, field sobriety test protocols, and courtroom relationships unavailable from general practitioners. DUI-focused law firms handling primarily or exclusively impaired driving cases develop specialized knowledge of suppression motions, expert witness networks, and plea bargaining strategies that generalist criminal defense attorneys lack. Former prosecutors transitioning to DUI defense bring insider knowledge of prosecution tactics, witness preparation, and plea negotiation approaches providing strategic advantages worth 30-50% fee premiums in complex cases. Trial experience proves critical as only 5-10% of DUI cases go to trial, meaning attorneys who regularly try cases develop jury selection skills, cross-examination techniques, and courtroom presence that plea-only lawyers don't possess. Scientific knowledge of partition ratios, absorption rates, retrograde extrapolation, and breathalyzer maintenance distinguishes top DUI lawyers who can challenge prosecution experts versus attorneys relying on procedural defenses alone. Local relationships with judges, prosecutors, and court staff built over decades practicing in specific counties provide informal negotiating advantages and realistic case assessments that outside or inexperienced counsel cannot match. National DUI defense organizations like NCDD (National College for DUI Defense) certification indicate advanced training, continuing education, and peer recognition justifying higher fees for demonstrated expertise. Success rates and case outcomes matter more than years practicing, as some attorneys handle hundreds of cases with minimal effort while others invest heavily in each client achieving superior charge reductions and dismissals. General criminal defense attorneys charging $1,500-$3,000 for DUI representation may provide adequate service for straightforward first offenses with no accident or injuries but lack specialized knowledge for complex cases. Public defenders offer free representation but carry caseloads of 200-400 clients preventing individualized attention, expert witness hiring, and comprehensive investigation that private counsel provides. Evaluating attorney credentials, DUI-specific experience, and local reputation helps defendants select representation matching their case complexity and budget rather than simply choosing lowest-cost options.

Question 9 of 20 Will your case likely go to trial? DUI Trial Costs exceed plea bargains. Trial preparation and court time add $3,000-$10,000+ to base attorney fees. Plea Bargain Expected 50/50 Chance of Trial Trial Likely / Almost Certain

Question 10 of 20 How many court appearances do you expect? Each Court Hearing requires attorney time. Multiple appearances for motions, hearings, and trial increase total Legal Costs. 1-2 Court Dates (Simple Plea) 3-5 Court Dates (Standard Case) 6-10 Court Dates (Complex Motions) 10+ Court Dates (Trial Case)

🏛️ Court Appearances and DUI Case Costs: Court appearance frequency directly impacts DUI attorney fees with simple plea bargain cases requiring 1-2 court dates costing $2,000-$4,000 while contested cases with multiple pre-trial motions span 8-12+ appearances reaching $6,000-$12,000 in legal fees. Arraignment hearings represent the first court appearance where defendants enter initial pleas, typically lasting 15-30 minutes but requiring 2-4 hours attorney preparation reviewing police reports, dashcam footage, and chemical test results. Pre-trial conferences scheduled 2-4 times in contested cases allow defense attorneys to negotiate with prosecutors, request discovery materials, and discuss plea bargains without formal motions costing $300-$800 per appearance. Motion hearings to suppress evidence, challenge breathalyzer reliability, or dismiss charges based on constitutional violations require extensive legal research, brief writing, and oral arguments adding $1,000-$3,000 per motion. DMV administrative hearings occurring separately from criminal proceedings contest automatic license suspensions, requiring attorneys to present evidence and cross-examine officers in bureaucratic proceedings costing $500-$1,500. Readiness conferences scheduled before trial ensure both sides prepared to proceed, often resulting in last-minute plea negotiations that save trial expenses but still require attorney appearance fees. Trial proceedings spanning 1-3 days for DUI cases demand intensive attorney preparation including witness interviews, expert consultations, jury selection strategy, and opening/closing statement preparation costing $5,000-$15,000 beyond basic representation. Sentencing hearings following guilty pleas or convictions allow defense attorneys to argue for reduced penalties, present character witnesses, and request alternative sentencing like house arrest or community service versus jail time. Violation of probation hearings if defendants fail drug tests, miss classes, or commit new offenses require additional attorney representation at $1,000-$2,500 per hearing to avoid probation revocation. Flat fee agreements covering all court appearances through trial provide cost certainty versus hourly billing where each additional hearing generates new attorney fees potentially exceeding initial quotes. Understanding typical appearance schedules for your case type helps budget appropriately and evaluate whether attorney quotes reasonably account for expected court dates.

Question 11 of 20 Will you need expert witnesses? Expert Witnesses like toxicologists, accident reconstructionists, or breathalyzer technicians cost $2,000-$10,000 each for testimony. No Expert Witnesses Needed 1 Expert Witness (Toxicologist) 2-3 Expert Witnesses Multiple Experts (Complex Case)

Question 12 of 20 Do you need a DMV hearing defense? Administrative License Suspension Hearings occur separately from criminal court. DMV Representation costs $500-$2,000 to fight license revocation. No DMV Hearing Needed Yes, Need DMV Hearing Defense Multiple DMV Issues (CDL, Prior Suspensions)

🚗 DMV Administrative Hearings and License Defense: Administrative license suspension hearings occur independently from criminal DUI proceedings through state DMV or motor vehicle departments, determining whether driving privileges will be suspended for refusing chemical tests or failing BAC tests. DMV hearing timelines require requesting hearings within 7-10 days of arrest in most states, with failure to timely request resulting in automatic license suspensions of 30-180 days even before criminal conviction. Hearing representation costs range from $500-$2,000 for attorneys to prepare evidence, cross-examine arresting officers, and argue against suspension at administrative proceedings separate from criminal court. Temporary permits issued after DUI arrests typically expire 30 days post-arrest, making DMV hearing success critical for maintaining driving privileges during criminal case resolution taking months or years. Issues contested at DMV hearings include whether officer had probable cause for stop, whether driver was lawfully arrested, whether chemical tests were properly administered, and whether BAC exceeded legal limits or refusal occurred. Officer testimony at DMV hearings proves less formal than criminal trials, with many officers appearing by phone and proceedings conducted by administrative hearing officers rather than judges using different evidence rules. Commercial driver's license (CDL) holders face permanent CDL disqualification after DUI convictions even for first offenses, making administrative hearing victories essential for professional drivers' livelihoods. Restricted licenses allowing work-related driving may be available during suspension periods in some states if DMV hearings fail, though requiring employer verification letters and ignition interlock device installation. Hardship licenses permitting essential driving to work, school, or medical appointments provide limited relief during administrative suspensions for those demonstrating financial hardship from total license loss. Out-of-state licenses don't prevent home state DMV from imposing suspensions based on sister state DUI arrests through interstate driver's license compact agreements sharing conviction information. Multiple state suspensions result when non-residents arrested for DUI face both arrest state administrative suspension plus home state suspension after conviction, requiring separate DMV proceedings in each jurisdiction. Strategic DMV hearing defense prevents license suspensions preserving employment, family obligations, and quality of life while criminal cases resolve, often justifying $1,000-$2,000 additional legal investment beyond criminal defense fees.

Question 13 of 20 Are there any aggravating factors? Aggravating Circumstances like speeding 20+ mph over limit, eluding police, or school zone violations increase charges and defense complexity. No Aggravating Factors Minor Aggravation (Speeding, Traffic Violation) Significant Aggravation (Reckless Driving, Eluding) Multiple Aggravating Factors

Question 14 of 20 Do you have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL)? CDL DUI Cases have career-ending stakes. Professional Drivers require aggressive defense to protect commercial licenses and livelihood. No CDL / Regular License Yes, Have CDL (Truck Driver, Bus Driver)

🚛 CDL Holders and DUI Defense Priority: Commercial driver's license (CDL) holders face permanent career destruction from DUI convictions as federal regulations mandate lifetime CDL disqualification after first DUI offense regardless of whether driving commercial or personal vehicle. CDL DUI standards apply lower BAC threshold of 0.04% versus 0.08% for regular drivers, meaning commercial operators face DUI charges at half the intoxication level required for non-CDL motorists. Career implications for professional truck drivers, bus operators, delivery drivers, and other commercial vehicle operators make DUI convictions equivalent to permanent job termination and forced career changes. Aggressive defense strategies for CDL holders justify paying premium DUI attorney fees of $5,000-$15,000+ as successful defense preserves six-figure annual incomes and decades of career investment. Out-of-service orders immediately suspend CDL driving privileges upon DUI arrest before conviction, forcing unpaid leave or termination while criminal and administrative cases resolve over 6-12+ months. Wet reckless plea bargains reducing DUI charges to reckless driving with alcohol involvement sometimes preserve CDL eligibility unlike straight DUI convictions, making skilled plea negotiation critical. Employer notification requirements mandate CDL holders report DUI arrests to employers within 30 days, often triggering immediate termination even before case disposition or conviction. DOT regulations prohibit CDL operation for 1 year after first DUI conviction and lifetime disqualification after second offense, with no hardship exceptions or restricted commercial licenses available. Background check impacts prevent CDL holders with DUI convictions from obtaining new commercial driving jobs even years after convictions as transportation companies universally exclude applicants with impaired driving records. Interstate commerce rules apply CDL disqualifications nationwide, preventing drivers from circumventing restrictions by moving to different states or obtaining new commercial licenses. Defense focus areas for CDL DUI cases emphasize challenging traffic stop legality, breathalyzer accuracy, field sobriety test validity, and pursuing charge dismissals rather than reduced penalties given binary career outcomes. Understanding permanent career consequences motivates CDL holders to invest heavily in aggressive DUI defense as legal fees represent tiny fraction of lifetime earnings preserved through successful case resolution.

Question 15 of 20 Is this arrest within your probation period? DUI While on Probation triggers probation violations requiring separate defense. Violation Hearings add to legal costs. Not on Probation On Probation for Prior DUI On Probation for Other Offense

Question 16 of 20 Are you facing license revocation or suspension? License Suspension Duration varies by state and offense. Hardship License applications and appeals increase legal work. 30-90 Day Suspension (First Offense) 6 Month - 1 Year Suspension 1-3 Year Revocation Permanent Revocation / Multiple DUIs

📋 License Suspension Defense Strategies: License suspension periods for DUI convictions range from 30-90 days for first offenses to 1-5 years for repeat DUI or refusal cases, with some states imposing permanent revocations after third or fourth convictions. Administrative vs criminal suspensions run concurrently in most states, meaning DMV suspension for failed or refused BAC test serves same period as criminal court suspension avoiding double penalty stacking. Hardship licenses or restricted driving privileges allow limited driving to/from work, school, medical appointments, and substance abuse treatment during suspension periods when defendants demonstrate financial necessity. Ignition interlock devices (IID) installed in vehicles prevent engine starting unless driver provides alcohol-free breath sample, required in most states for license reinstatement after DUI with installation costing $70-150 monthly. Early reinstatement in some jurisdictions reduces suspension periods from 1 year to 4-6 months for first-time DUI offenders completing alcohol education, installing IID, and maintaining clean records during initial suspension period. Out-of-state convictions trigger home state license suspensions through Interstate Driver's License Compact, meaning DUI arrests while traveling result in both arrest state and home state suspensions. SR-22 insurance certificates documenting high-risk auto insurance coverage must be filed with DMVs for 3-5 years post-conviction, increasing insurance premiums 50-200% for DUI convictions. License reinstatement fees range from $50-$500 depending on state and offense, required along with proof of insurance, IID completion certificates, and alcohol education completion before driving privileges restore. Occupational licenses for commercial drivers, physicians, pilots, and other professionals may face separate suspension or revocation proceedings through professional licensing boards beyond driver's license issues. Work permits differ from hardship licenses by allowing broader driving privileges but requiring employer verification letters and sometimes employer installation of ignition interlock devices in company vehicles. Defense strategies preventing or minimizing license suspensions include winning DMV administrative hearings, negotiating wet reckless plea bargains avoiding mandatory DUI suspensions, or challenging traffic stop legality resulting in case dismissals. Understanding suspension implications and available restricted license options helps DUI defendants maintain employment, family obligations, and daily life function during criminal case resolution and conviction aftermath.

Question 17 of 20 What fee structure does your attorney use? Flat Fee Agreements provide cost certainty. Hourly Billing can exceed estimates in complex cases. Retainer Fees vary widely. Flat Fee (All-Inclusive) Flat Fee Plus Court Costs Hourly Rate ($200-$400/hour) Retainer with Hourly Billing

Question 18 of 20 Do you need help with SR-22 or insurance issues? SR-22 Filing and High-Risk Insurance requirements after DUI conviction. Some attorneys assist with insurance compliance. No Insurance Assistance Needed Need SR-22 Filing Help Complex Insurance Issues

📄 SR-22 Insurance and DUI Financial Impact: SR-22 certificates represent high-risk insurance filings that DUI-convicted drivers must maintain for 3-5 years proving continuous auto insurance coverage to state DMVs as license reinstatement requirement. SR-22 filing fees charged by insurance companies range from $15-$50 as one-time processing costs, but associated high-risk insurance premium increases of $500-$2,000 annually create substantial long-term financial burden. Non-owner SR-22 policies cost $300-$800 annually for DUI offenders without vehicles, required to maintain valid driver's licenses even when not actively driving or owning cars. Insurance premium increases after DUI convictions average 50-200% depending on state, insurance company, driving record, and time since conviction, often doubling or tripling previous annual insurance costs. High-risk insurance carriers specialize in covering DUI-convicted drivers when standard insurers decline coverage, charging premium rates but providing necessary SR-22 filings that mainstream companies won't handle. Coverage lapses during SR-22 filing periods trigger automatic license re-suspension and reset the 3-5 year SR-22 requirement clock, making continuous coverage maintenance critical. State-to-state variations in SR-22 requirements include which offenses trigger filing obligations, duration of requirement (1-5 years), and whether FR-44 forms with higher liability coverage replace SR-22 in some jurisdictions. Employment verification from employers may substitute for SR-22 in limited circumstances when company vehicles are used exclusively, though most states require personal SR-22 filing regardless. Electronic filing by insurance companies directly to DMVs streamlines SR-22 submission versus paper certificates, with automated notifications if coverage cancels ensuring DMV awareness of non-compliance. Shopping strategies for SR-22 insurance include comparing quotes from 5-10 carriers as prices vary dramatically, considering higher deductibles to reduce premiums, and bundling policies for multi-vehicle discounts. Premium reduction timing after DUI shows insurance rates decreasing 10-30% annually as conviction ages beyond 3-5 year lookback periods most insurers use for risk assessment. Understanding SR-22 requirements and insurance cost implications helps DUI defendants budget for multi-year financial impact extending far beyond initial attorney fees and court costs.

Question 19 of 20 Are you seeking charge reduction or dismissal? Wet Reckless plea bargains reduce DUI to reckless driving. Charge Dismissals require aggressive defense and litigation costing more. Accept Standard DUI Disposition Seeking Wet Reckless Reduction Fighting for Complete Dismissal

Question 20 of 20 What is your total budget for legal representation? Set realistic expectations. Quality DUI Defense costs $2,500-$10,000 for misdemeanors and $7,000-$25,000+ for felonies. Under $2,500 (Public Defender Territory) $2,500-$5,000 (Standard Defense) $5,000-$10,000 (Experienced Attorney) $10,000-$25,000 (Premium Defense) $25,000+ (Complex Case / Trial)

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Estimated DUI Legal Costs

Based on Your Case: First-Time DUI in California

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Estimated Total Attorney Fees

Cost Breakdown

Attorney Base Fee:$0

Expert Witness Fees:$0

Court Filing Fees:$500

Investigation Costs:$0

Total Estimated Cost:$0

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This tool provides estimated DUI legal cost ranges for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice or a fee quote. Actual DUI attorney fees vary based on case complexity, trial requirements, state laws, attorney experience, and individual circumstances. Consult with licensed DUI defense attorneys in your jurisdiction for accurate legal fee quotes and case evaluation.

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DUI Defense Cost Analysis

Based on your inputs, hiring a qualified DUI Attorney in for your case will likely cost in the range shown above. This includes attorney fees, court costs, expert witnesses, and investigation expenses typical for DUI defense in your jurisdiction.

Consulting with experienced DUI Lawyers or Criminal Defense Attorneys allows you to compare fee structures, evaluate expertise, and find representation matching your budget and case complexity. Many DUI defense firms offer free consultations and payment plans.