DUI attorney fees

That is the million dollar question isn't it?

By now you may have done some research and may have already spoken to one or more San Diego DUI Attorneys. Based on my experience of looking for a DUI lawyer, obviously before I became an Attorney, some DUI Lawyers will require that you "come in to the office" before they give you a price. Why? While I am sure there are a variety of "justifications" for this however, a well qualified DUI Lawyer will give you a price over the phone.

Call me and I will fully explain my fee structure and what it covers and what may not be included. Or, call The Law Office of Lawrence Taylor - they always quote a price over the phone. Please note, however, you will not speak to an attorney.

What can happen when you go "into the office?"

I had a client in 2004 who went to an unnamed "law center" in San Diego. When she was in their office she was told that her daughter's DUI was a felony when it was actually a misdemeanor. The "Law Center" wanted over $5000.00 for a 1st time DUI with no injuries.

You should not have to go into an office to get a price - an honest, up-front, DUI attorney will give you a price over the phone.

The price you pay should be pre-trial only? Because, percentage wise, over 95% of all criminal cases do not go to trial - and that probably includes your case, so why pay thousands of dollars for something that you may not use? And if you do select the option of going to trial then you can pay for it when you make the decision. You should only pay for a trial once you make the decision to go to trial - months from now. Don't waste thousands of dollars.

Because each case is unique a "price" can not be published on the internet (as other factors may come into play like injuries, accident, priors), however, you can see the typical "price range" for a first DUI.

Please note that these are not price quotes for your case - these are general prices - you need to actually speak to an attorney because each case is unique. Some cases may require an expert while other cases may not. One case might not need a blood re-test while another case might etc.

The "typical" fee rate for lawyers with mid-career experience (6-15 years) in the state of California for Criminal Law cases is usually $175-$275/hr. This means that a "fair" price for a typical first DUI with no injuries; no additional charges; no special allegations; no special circumstances; etc will be around $1500-$4000 depending on several factors. You should expect to pay in this range if your case doesn't have any special requirements - please speak to an attorney and understand that these are estimates only. I charge a single fixed fee for all stages of the proceeding, up to, but not including trial or motions. This fee does include the DMV hearing.

(We charge a separate fixed fee for trial and motions as they don't happen in a majority of cases) Some other law offices in San Diego may or may not include trial fees in their quotes so please confirm what you get for your money before signing a contract.

Here is what some Law Offices were charging as recently as Summer 2007 for a First DUI:

Bickford $4500
Casey $4000
Taylor $7000
Kavinoky $8000
DUI Guys $4500
Mr. DUI $4500


I will beat all of the above prices for a first DUI (restrictions may apply) and can achieve similar results so why pay more? How can we do this? I have lower overhead costs - e.g. I pay less for office rent etc.

Typically, the initial retainer is paid in advance. We do accept credit cards. In certain instances payment arrangements can be made. Costs need to be paid to third parties, and must be paid in advance of those services. Trial fees are to be deposited before the first trial setting date - generally three to four months after the initial appearance date.

Call and I will give you a quote over the phone - no hidden costs.

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