If you’ve been arrested for DUI, it’s normal to feel a mix of fear, urgency, and embarrassment, especially if your job depends on driving or your reputation matters to you. The first question most people ask isn’t about court dates. It’s: “How much does a DUI lawyer cost?”
That’s a fair question. But here’s the truth: anyone can throw out a number. What you actually need is a clear, apples-to-apples fee quote that explains what you’re paying for, and what could change the scope.
A DUI fee quote should work like a scope of work. If you don’t know what’s included, you don’t really have a quote.
Quick takeaways
- DUI attorney fees vary because DUI cases vary, evidence, timelines, and goals are different in every case.
- Always ask what’s included, what’s excluded, what costs does every person incur regardless of who they hire, and what triggers additional work.
- Many DUI cases involve two tracks: the criminal case in court and the driver’s license case (often on separate timelines).
- The lowest quote can become the most expensive if it doesn’t cover key work like motions, hearings, or trial preparation.
Why DUI lawyer fees can vary so much
Two DUI cases can look similar on the surface, and be completely different underneath. A responsible quote reflects what your defense actually requires.
Common drivers of cost include:
- How much evidence must be reviewed (police reports, body camera, dash cam, breath/blood testing, witness statements)
- How many hearings the case is likely to require
- Whether the case needs motions practice (challenging the stop, arrest, testing procedures, or evidence)
- Whether the case is likely to resolve early, or whether trial preparation is realistic
- The real-world stakes (commercial driver’s license, professional licensing, security clearance, or a career that requires driving)
The 3 most common DUI fee structures
Most DUI defense representation is billed as a flat fee, hourly with a retainer, or a phase-based hybrid. The “best” structure depends on the case and how predictable the workload is.
| Fee structure | What it usually means | What to clarify before hiring |
| Flat fee | One set fee for an agreed scope of work | What’s included (and what’s not), and what happens if the case expands |
| Retainer + hourly | You pay upfront; time is billed against it | Hourly rate, billing increments, when you’re asked to replenish the retainer, and how billing statements are provided |
| Phase-based (hybrid) | Flat fee for pretrial work; separate fee if it goes to trial | Exactly where “pretrial” ends and “trial” begins, and what triggers an added fee |
What a DUI fee quote should cover
A professional DUI fee quote should clearly state whether it includes:
- Court appearances (or which appearances are included)
- Evidence review and case strategy
- Negotiations with the prosecution
- Client communication expectations (how updates happen and how often)
- The driver’s license side of the case (and whether it is included or separate)
Costs that may be separate (and that’s normal)
Many DUI cases also involve costs that are not attorney fees, such as:
- Expert witnesses
- Investigators
- Independent testing or lab review
- Trial work (if trial isn’t included in the base fee)
- Appeals (usually separate)
Great questions to ask an attorney upfront
Use these questions to compare the scope, not just the monetary number:
- Is this a flat fee, hourly, or hybrid?
- Does the fee include all court appearances? If not, which ones are extra?
- Does the quote include motions practice (suppression motions, evidentiary motions, constitutional challenges)?
- Is the driver’s license case included, or is that a separate representation?
- Is trial included? If not, what is the trial fee structure?
- Who will actually handle my case? Will I meet the attorney who appears in court?
- What costs are separate (experts, investigators, testing)?
- How will I be billed/updated if anything is hourly (statements, frequency, itemization)?
- Will the fee agreement be in writing, and explain what happens if the scope changes?
Red flags that can cost you more later
Be cautious if you hear:
- “We guarantee results.” No ethical lawyer can promise an outcome.
- “Here’s the price,” before reviewing anything. A quote without facts is guesswork.
- No written agreement or unclear scope.
- You can’t talk to the attorney who would represent you.
- Trial is brushed off like it “never happens.” A real plan is prepared for leverage, including trial readiness.
How to get a quote that’s actually accurate
If you want an accurate quote (and fewer surprises), bring what you have to the consultation:
- Your citation/summons and any paperwork you were given
- Any DMV/Department of Revenue notice you received
- Your prior driving/criminal history (if any)
- A quick timeline of what happened (where you were, where you were stopped, and what tests were done)
Then be direct about your priorities:
- Do you need to keep driving for work?
- Are you worried about professional licensing or a security clearance?
- Is the priority avoiding jail, avoiding a conviction, or minimizing long-term consequences?
The clearer your goals are, the more accurate the quote, and strategy, can be.
Bottom line
The right question isn’t only “How much does a DUI lawyer cost?”
It’s this: “What will it take to defend my case the right way, and what is included in that fee?”
A serious DUI defense should be clear, strategic, and built around your real-life consequences, not just the next court date.
Facing DUI charges in Colorado Springs? Protect your future now.
Maher & Maher Law offers free consultations and can walk you through your options, the process, and the scope of representation so you can make a confident decision.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is not legal advice. Every case is unique. You should discuss your case with an attorney to get specific legal advice pertaining to your case. Contacting our office alone does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information until we have agreed to establish an attorney-client relationship.