The Average Cost of a DUI Attorney in California

When you are arrested for DUI in Los Angeles the first question after the shock wears off is usually about cost. How much is this going to be and more importantly how much does a DUI attorney actually charge? The truth is there is no single number because every case is different. Attorney fees depend on the facts of your case including the lawyer’s experience and how far your case goes in court. Some lawyers may quote a few thousand dollars while others may charge ten thousand or more and that gap exists for a reason. The real question is not only what the lawyer costs but what they will actually do to protect your freedom, your license, and your record when everything is at stake.

For a standard first-time misdemeanor DUI in Los Angeles most private attorneys charge between four thousand and ten thousand dollars. The lower end of the range usually applies when the case resolves quickly with a negotiated plea and the higher end applies when cases involve chemical test challenges, multiple motions or trial. If you have prior convictions, an accident allegation or a refusal to submit to a chemical test then the fees can exceed ten thousand dollars. The more complex the case the more time and expertise are required to mount a defense.

Some DUI attorneys charge a flat fee that covers everything from arraignment through trial while others bill in stages such as pretrial work, DMV hearings, and trial preparation. It is essential to ask what is included in the fee because a cheaper quote may not cover the DMV hearing or trial and you could end up paying more later.

Before you make any decisions about your case we invite you to book a free and confidential consultation with a Los Angeles DUI attorney. This call will give you clear answers about your options and what it will take to protect your license your record and your future.

Factors That Affect DUI Attorney Fees

Certain factors make a DUI case more expensive to defend. If you have a prior DUI within ten years. You face mandatory jail time which requires more work to negotiate or fight. A refusal to take a breath or blood test creates separate DMV issues and requires special legal arguments. Cases involving an accident, high blood alcohol levels over 0.15 or 0.20, minors in the vehicle or clients with professional licenses or immigration concerns also raise the stakes. These circumstances often mean more motions, expert testimony and courtroom time. The higher the risk to your freedom and your future, the more resources your lawyer must invest.

How Public Defenders Compare

You may wonder whether you should use a public defender instead of hiring private counsel. Public defenders in Los Angeles are capable lawyers but they carry overwhelming caseloads. They may not have the time to investigate every detail of your case or to follow up on forensic evidence or attend DMV hearings. Public defenders also cannot represent you before the DMV which is critical for protecting your license. If your livelihood, immigration status or professional license is at stake, relying solely on a public defender could leave you exposed to consequences that could have been avoided with focused private representation.

Flat Fee vs Hourly DUI Attorney Rates

Most DUI attorneys in Los Angeles charge flat fees because clients want predictable costs. A flat fee for a first-time DUI may range from four thousand to seven thousand dollars while a second DUI or cases with aggravating factors can cost between eight thousand and fifteen thousand. Some lawyers still charge hourly rates between two hundred fifty and five hundred dollars per hour. That approach can quickly become more expensive if the case drags on. The most important thing is to be clear about what is included. Ask whether the fee covers trial, whether DMV hearings are included, and whether you will owe more if the case takes longer than expected.

The Hidden Costs of a DUI Conviction Without Strong Defense

The lawyer’s fee is not the only cost of a DUI. A conviction can create financial burdens far greater than the initial retainer. If you are convicted, your license may be suspended which will make it harder to work. Insurance premiums can rise for a decade. DUI education programs cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. Ignition interlock devices come with installation fees and ongoing monthly costs. Some employers particularly in government, healthcare and commercial driving will not keep an employee with a DUI conviction. A conviction also leaves a criminal record that can affect professional licenses and background checks for years. In cases with prior DUIs, jail time is possible, and prosecutors may even file felony charges. Hiring the right DUI lawyer can prevent or reduce many of these consequences.

Real Case Result That Shows the Difference

Felony DUI with Injury, Vehicular Manslaughter with Impairment
Location: Downey Court – People v. M.G.

Case Details: Client arrested for felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter after being involved in a fatal collision with a pedestrian.

Case Outcome: After the investigation determined the victim was most likely attempting suicide by intentionally walking into heavy freeway traffic, we were able to negotiate a plea agreement resulting in the dismissal of all felony charges in exchange for a plea to a standard VC 23152(b) misdemeanor DUI with 3 months of DUI classes, 3 years summary probation, and no jail time or felony record. In addition, we also prevailed in the DMV hearing, which resulted in a set aside of the DMV driver’s license suspension.

Is It Worth Paying for an Expensive DUI Attorney?

Whether paying for an experienced DUI lawyer is worth it depends on what you want from your defense. If you only want someone to guide you through a guilty plea then a lower-cost lawyer might be sufficient. If you want someone to fight for dismissal or reduction by scrutinizing every aspect of the stop, the officer’s conduct and the chemical testing process then investing in a more experienced attorney can save you far more than it costs. Former prosecutors in particular understand how the other side builds cases and know exactly where weaknesses can be found. That knowledge is not free but it can mean the difference between jail and probation between a suspended license and a restricted license and between a DUI conviction and a lesser charge.

The Sitkoff Law Difference

We do not take every case. We take the ones we believe in and the clients we are ready to fight for. That means you receive personal attention and an aggressive defense from lawyers with decades of experience in Los Angeles courts. We know how to build credibility that gets results. Our history includes countless dismissals and reductions because we treat each case as if the client’s future is our own. We understand that your case is not just about one night. It is about your freedom, your reputation, and your ability to move forward.

Final Thoughts

So how much does a DUI attorney cost in Los Angeles? The honest answer is that it costs what it takes to give you the best chance at protecting your license, your record and your future. This is not just about money. It is about freedom, reputation and peace of mind. If you have been arrested for DUI in Los Angeles, do not wait. The DMV deadline is running, and evidence can disappear quickly. Call us today for a free and confidential consultation. We will explain your options, discuss costs, and tell you how we can protect your future. Let us fight for you. Let us help you move forward.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, and results may vary. Please consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.