If you have been charged with impaired driving, driving over 0.08 or refusing to provide a sample of breath, all commonly known as a DUI, you are no doubt wondering what it is going to cost to defend. This is a simple question without a simple answer. Every case is unique and costs vary based on your individual circumstances. The most important thing to keep in mind when considering the cost of defending your DUI is that the long-term costs of a DUI conviction could far outweigh the short-term costs of hiring the right lawyer to defend your case. A conviction can significantly impact your liberty, employment, ability to travel, car insurance and immigration status.
How much will it cost to defend my DUI?
The cost of defending your DUI will depend on a number of factors:
- The amount of disclosure (all of the evidence in your case, ex. witness statements, video, expert reports, etc.)
- The number of days of trial
- The complexity of your case including Charter arguments or Constitutional Challenges
- The need to hire a private investigator or toxicologist
- The location of your trial
One of the biggest factors in legal fees is who you hire to defend you. Generally speaking, hiring a first-year lawyer is going to cost significantly less that hiring a lawyer with considerable experience. That being said, simply because a lawyer has been practicing law for many years or charges a significant amount of money, doesn’t necessarily mean they will defend you better than a lawyer with fewer years experience.
In reality, the cost of a one-day DUI trial can range from $3,000 to $20,000. Most experienced DUI lawyers will charge fees somewhere in the middle of that range.
When will I know the total cost to defend my DUI?
Almost all criminal defence lawyers charge block fees. This means that you do not pay by the hour, but rather in an all-inclusive flat-rate fee. This provides you with certainty so that you can make an informed decision about moving forward to trial. Your lawyer should be able to provide you the total cost of your trial after reviewing disclosure. If your lawyer is unwilling or unable to tell you the total cost of your trial, you may want to think twice about hiring him or her. A skilled and experienced lawyer knows how much work will go into a file after reviewing disclosure and should be able to provide you with a written retainer agreement.
How can I afford a lawyer?
Nobody plans on being charged with a DUI and few people have thousands of dollars siting around waiting to be spent on legal fees. For that reason, we offer a free, no obligation consultation. In this meeting, we will discuss your case, possible defences and an estimated price. If you choose to retain us, we offer an interest-free payment plan that is personally tailored to your financial situation. This flexibility provides you the ability to have a highly skilled and experienced criminal defence lawyer defend your DUI.
