PERSONAL ATTENTION. FIERCE ADVOCACY. GET IN TOUCH
Laptop

COST OF A DUI ATTORNEY

Crafts Law Inc. May 20, 2021

The first question you need to address is: How Much Is Your Freedom Worth?

  • You could be fired from your job

  • You could lose the ability to drive

  • Face a fine and possible jail sentence

  • You may have to perform community service

  • Attend alcohol, drug education, and counseling

The cost of a good DUI attorney is worth it, if you spend $2500 and they save you thousands in fines, grief and punishment so you can have your life back.

How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Charge?

Idaho state bar rules will influence how much a DUI attorney will cost, whether you take your case to trial or you want to accept a plea (less expensive) will influence the DUI legal fees. In Boise most DUI attorneys charge anywhere from $1000 to $1,800.00 for a plea. Trial rates may range from $3,000.00 to $25,000.00 depending on the level of your offense and the complexity of your case, evidence examination, etc.

The more time an attorney invests, the higher the legal expenses.

Is It Worth It to Hire a Lawyer For DUI?

This is a difficult question to answer, because the value of a lawyer is dependent on a future outcome not yet determined. (That's why you want to choose experienced DUI attorneys with a winning record like Boise Advocate) In a recent AVVO survey, 77% of respondents said it was worth hiring a private attorney, plus they found the public defender only saved them about 20% on lawyer costs.

DUI Lawyer vs. Public Defender

Pros of hiring Private Attorney for DUI:

  • You get to choose the attorney

  • Most offer a free consultation

  • You can find a specialist for criminal charges

  • More time and attention can be spent on your case

Cons of hiring Private Attorney for drunk driving:

  • You will pay higher costs, but many offer monthly payment plans

  • Less courtroom experience so be sure to hire an experienced court attorney and best if you can find one who has defended DUI charges in front of your assigned judge.

Pros of using Public Defender for DUI charges:

  • If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be entitled to a free defense attorney

  • Most have good experience in court and processes

Cons of using Public Defender for DUI:

  • You DONT get to choose the attorney, they are assigned to you

  • Can be overworked and dont have time to focus on helping you

Ultimately, the choice is up to you; however, in many cases, if you have the ability to pay for a local DUI lawyer, that means you are NOT eligible for a public defender.

Is it worth going to trial for a DUI?

You are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law; therefore you need to speak to an experienced legal counsel who can examine your case and evidence then advise your best chances of winning.

Most people arrested for DUI in Idaho make a deal between the prosecutor and the defense attorney where you plead guilty to DUI or a lesser charge and be senteced to a penalty agreed.

If you take the case to trial and lose, the judge can impose the maximum penalty. Sometimes, the evidence against a defendant is very strong, so a trial may not be a good idea.

Likewise, sometimes the prosecution has a weak case and therefore will be open to accepting a reduced charge to avoid going to trial– and thats when you need to call Boise Advocate.

The TRUE price of a plea deal

Many clients assume that since they were pulled over, took field sobriety tests, or gave a blood or alcohol sample, that there is no way they could be found not guilty at trial. This is simply not true.

Police officers and the prosecution want you to believe that your situation is hopeless, but it is not. There are many ways a defendant can be successful at trial, and there are defenses available for every case.

Ask for a FREE Initial Consultation

Before you plead guilty to drunk driving, let us take a look at your evidence and see if there is another way. The consultation is free. We take time to explain the system and court process for criminal charges. Then you can make a decision about how to proceed.

In one case, we represented a client in Meridian arrested for having an open container. We convinced the State Attorney to drop all of the charges. In another case, we represented a Boise State University football student arrested for the underage possession of alcohol. After negotiating with the State Attorney, we got Idaho to agree to drop of all the charges in lieu of our client performing community service in Kuna.

Do not hesitate to contact our local lawyers today for a free case evaluation! Call or fill out our online case evaluation form. We are attorneys helping people from Caldwell to Nampa and Eagle.

The true cost of a DUI can be expensive, it can ruin your life. You need an Advocate on your side.