How Much Will My Case Cost?
You Get What You Pay For
If you are looking to hire a Miami DUI attorney, the fees that are charged will have an influence on who you choose. You should be looking at the attorney’s level of education, reputation and experience. Attorneys who specialize in DUI and defense are more likely to understand the complex nature of these types of cases, as well as the number of years in practice.
For example, attorneys who regularly practice in a particular geographic area will know the court system and will probably have a solid reputation among judges and prosecutors. These types of lawyers charge higher fees than others but are worth the additional expense. Attorney fees for a Miami DUI lawyer will be based on the quality of defense that you receive.*
Attorney’s Fees For First Offender DUI Cases
| Range of Fees | Experience of Attorney | Time Spent on Case |
| $1,500-2,000 | Minimal experience, marginal reputation | Very Little |
| $2,500-3,500 | Competent attorney, good reputation | Some |
| $4,000-7,500 | Extensive experience and knowledge, stellar reputation | Significant |
| Costs/Expenses | Experts and Deposition Costs are Often Additional |
Attorney’s Fees For Felony Cases
| Range of Fees | Experience of Attorney | Time Spent on Case |
| $2,000-3,000 | Minimal experience, marginal reputation | Very Little |
| $3,500-4,500 | Competent attorney, good reputation | Some |
| $5,000-10,000 | Extensive experience and knowledge, stellar reputation | Significant |
| Costs/Expenses | Experts and Deposition Costs are Often Additional |
*The ranges of fees in these charts are estimates and will vary from case to case. Lawyers must evaluate each situation on a case-by-case basis and take many variables into account before quoting a legal fee and agreeing with the client on how costs and expenses are handled.
Attorney Fees For DUI Defense In Miami
Lawyers whose fees are at the low end of the scale often have volume practices, like ticket defense lawyers. They will not have the level of experience and qualifications needed to effectively defend serious criminal charges. Lawyers who say they will “match or beat any fee quote” are to be avoided. Professional legal defense isn’t used car sales.
The better lawyers are those who:
- Are in court regularly
- Argue the law
- Write articles about criminal law
- Practice and deliver seminars to attorneys
- Blog and speak to public and civic groups about criminal topics
Often, those who are former prosecutors or public defenders have a leg up when it comes to courtroom experience.
You’re Ready To Meet With A Lawyer. What Now?
The Initial Consult: What To Expect From The Lawyer
Most criminal defense lawyers in Miami will want to know your prior criminal history and what you expect from the case. They will review the facts of your case and spot the legal issues and defenses that may be available. They will lay out the legal process in court and what to expect over the next few weeks/months. Most criminal defense lawyers will assess your likelihood of success and variables such as the experience of the police officers involved, the judge and the prosecutors.
Should You Bring Anything To Your First Meeting?
If you have the police report, bring it. In a DUI case, bring any court papers from any prior cases. Also, bring a copy of your traffic history. Many lawyers will ask for photos of the vehicle involved in the case, photos of the scene of the arrest and medical records that may support defenses.
You Had Me At ‘Hello’
Often, people get a feeling of confidence and trust from an attorney in their first meeting and retain the lawyer right then and there. Other times, people need to sort through several lawyers to find the right one.
Pick the lawyer that you want to say the things that you would say in court if you were the lawyer.
Avoid Lawyers Who Make Promises Of Any Outcome
Shy away from the lawyer who promises a particular result in your case. That is unethical for a lawyer to do, and foolish for you to pick him. Don’t feel pressured to make a decision. Any lawyer that pressures you
into hiring him is not the guy you want.
How Are Legal Fees And Costs Paid?
Most DUI defense lawyers will require a “retainer”, or down-payment, to begin a criminal case. Often, that retainer will be set at anywhere from 25-50% of the total fee, and the balance can be paid off over a few
weeks or months. In federal cases, lawyers will expect a substantial portion of the fee upfront, since federal judges rarely let a lawyer off a case for non-payment of legal fees.
In most cases, there are costs associated with a criminal defense case. Some of those costs are for depositions, witness fees, transcripts, process servers, Deposition rooms, copies of records, government documents and expert witnesses. These costs are generally not included in the legal fee and are billed to the client. Court fines, court costs and probation costs are not included in legal fees or expenses.
Contact a Miami DUI attorney at Jonathan B. Blecher, P.A., for information about the firm’s attorney fees.
