How much hiring a DWI lawyer will cost in New York? There are many New York law firms and defense lawyers offering legal counsel for DWI offenses. But unfortunately, there is no exact answer to how much hiring a DWI lawyer will cost.
Not all drunk driving cases are similar even if the offense charged is exactly the same. Every case is unique. And legal fees can also differ from attorney to attorney as each attorney will price their services differently. New York DUI attorney fees vary depending on the level of experience, location, and difficulty of the case. The seriousness of the case often depends on whether it is your first DUI charge, whether there has been an accident involved, and several other factors. The cost of hiring a DUI defense attorney is one of the many expenses in addition to fines and increased insurance premiums consequent to a DUI offense. It is also the first cost of a drunk driving charge after you spend a night in jail. And getting out of jail after a DWI arrest is no doubt your first concern. And this is where you will need the services of a DWI defense lawyer.
Entering an appearance in court for a DUI charge with an attorney may cost you on average $1300 up to $25000. However, there is a combination of factors that will determine attorney fees in a DWI case such as whether you are being charged with a misdemeanor or felony, whether it is your first DUI or whether any injuries were sustained in the accident. Attorney fees mainly depend on the complexity of the drunk driving offense with which you’re charged. The first consideration should be what charges are against you. As a rule of thumb, the first time you are charged with a DWI case, your case will be considered a misdemeanor. But if your records show previous impaired driving convictions or pending cases your case is considered a felony which will require more work from the attorney. Case facts also influence how much an attorney would charge you. Aggravating circumstances such as involvement in an accident, your behavior during the arrest, higher levels of BAC, high speeding, and having minors inside your vehicle make the defense more difficult, requiring your attorney to put much work into your case. Attorney fees also depend on whether you’re willing to enter a plea bargain or otherwise proceed with the trial. If you decide to plead guilty to charges, less work is required and attorney fees may comparatively be less. Entering a guilty plea would simply cost you attorney fees starting from $250.
As discussed a dozen factors influence the cost of hiring an attorney. So as soon as you are charged with a DWI, meet with an experienced DWI defense attorney to better understand your options and prepare your defense in court. Expect your attorney to fully explain legal fees and what your case will cost from start to finish at the first meeting. If your attorney avoids or declines to answer your questions, you can always choose another experienced and committed defense attorney. Don’t let higher quotes discourage you from getting the legal advice you need to take your case through in court. Higher fees do not always reflect more DUI experience or a higher level of service.
If you have been charged with drunk driving in the state of New York, defending yourself is a bad idea and you will likely need an experienced and dedicated DUI defense lawyer. Contact DWI Lawyer Albany today by calling 518-608-2499 to schedule your free consultation. DWI Lawyer Albany is well-known across New York State for protecting the wrongfully accused and helping those facing DWI, DUI, and Drunk Driving charges. DWI Lawyer Albany has successfully defended the rights of thousands of individuals.
