This varies, of course, by the reputation and the experience of the lawyer in the geographic location. As with doctors, generally the more skilled the attorney and the larger the city, the higher the fee. A related factor is the amount of time a lawyer devotes to the case. The better lawyers take fewer clients, spending more hours on each. The range of fees can be huge. A general practitioner in a small community may charge only $750 for DUI representation. However, a DUI practitioner with a national reputation may charge up to $10,000 or more, depending on the facts of the case. In addition, the fee may vary by other factors, such as whether the offense is a misdemeanor or a felony. If prior convictions are alleged, the procedures for attacking them may add to the cost. The fee may or may not include trial or appeals. Administrative license suspension procedures may often also cost additional monies. The lawyer may charge a fixed fee, or he may ask for a retainer in advance to be applied against an hourly rate. Costs such as witness fees, independent blood analysis, and service of subpoenas are almost always certainly extra as well. If prior convictions are alleged, the procedures for attacking them may add to the cost. The fee may or may not include trial or appeals. Administrative license suspension procedures may also be extra. The lawyer may charge a fixed fee, or he may ask for a retainer in advance to be applied to the hourly charges that he raises. Costs such as witness fees, independent blood analysis, and service of subpoenas, etc., almost certainly will cost extra as well. Whatever the fee quoted, you should ask for a written fee agreement and make sure you understand all the terms.
