The cost of a DUI lawyer depends on whether you hire a private attorney or end up with the services of the public defender. If you hire private counsel, you will generally pay a flat fee. That fee varies widely based on the attorney’s level of experience and competence, as well as what is involved in the case.
When you’re facing criminal charges, you have two options:
- You can apply for the services of a public defender, or
- You can hire a private attorney.
A public defender may save you money, but the system is designed such that every public defender is carrying at least twice the caseload recommended by the American Bar Association. Unfortunately, this results in a culture of being far more interested in settling cases than fighting them.
In addition, in many states (Minnesota included) the legislatures have split DWIs into both criminal and civil (driver’s license) consequences, knowing that public defenders are prohibited from filing civil claims on their client’s behalf. In those states, a public defender will not be able to fight the entire case but only a part of it.
A private attorney will cost more, but will be able to challenge all the state imposed consequences, both criminal and civil, and devote the resources to give you the best possible chance at dismissal, acquittal or at least a reduction of your charges.
Beyond the initial penalties of a conviction (fines or jail time), you will also face the consequences of a criminal record — which can lead to difficulties finding employment, gaining custody of your children, renting an apartment or home. Only fighting your charges gives you a chance at a clean record and an unblemished future.
That said, not all private lawyers are created equal. That’s why you should first schedule a consultation, and be sure to ask how many cases like yours the attorney has litigated and what their results were. It's imperative to know how much trial experience they have. The best criminal defense lawyers go to trial and do not have clients plead guilty if there is a reasonable defense to the case.
And if you’re still concerned about the cost, most attorneys offer fee structures and payment plans to make it feasible for you to afford the best possible defense. You can learn more about each attorney’s payment structure by scheduling a consultation with them.
