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Most lawyers do not put their legal fees online. The reason this is not the case is usually that each case is different and prices can fluctuate between customers. However, you should have a starting point for DUI attorneys cost in Washington, DC. The cost of a DUI lawyer is primarily governed by the lawyer’s experience and the amount of training the lawyer has had in DUI law. There are some other reasons for which the cost can fluctuate between lawyers such as the lawyer’s overhead.
Training/Association
When I say training, I don’t mean law school. All lawyers have to pass the bar and so I am not talking about the bar. DUI law is an area of the law that requires additional training beyond law school and taking the bar. Continuing a lawyer’s legal education is important because laws change and a DUI lawyer needs to be aware of the changes. For example, DUI attorneys must be trained or “qualified” by the National Highway Safety Administration’s Standardized Field Restraint Course. This course typically consists of 25-40 hours of in-class instruction. This is the same class that police officers are required to take in order to give citizens standardized field sobriety tests on the roads. Another example DUI attorneys can take to advance their knowledge is by going to the annual national training held once a year in Las Vegas by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National College for DUI Defense. Here some of the best DUI attorneys in the country share their knowledge with other DUI attorneys. Generally, the more training your attorney has, the more you’ll need to pay.
Experience
Experience can only come through time. Yes old age sucks, but with age comes wisdom. Just as it takes years for a young doctor to become polished and experienced in his field – the same applies to lawyers. It is difficult for an attorney to come out of law school and start trying DUI cases because there is a level of complexity to them. As you know there are many lawyers in the country. Just because the lawyer has a license to practice in the courts, does not mean that he has the experience to handle every type of case. Generally, the more experience your attorney has, the more you will pay.
office and overhead
This is an area that you will never hear a lawyer talking to a client about. However, the truth is that the client pays the DUI attorney’s overhead costs. If the lawyer is using technology to replace the cost then the lawyer can work cheaper and faster. For example, a lawyer must provide documents to his client; However, sending via mail is slow and costs more. By using the internet and a closed portal system the lawyer can communicate with the client, provide dates, share documents and more effectively communicate with the client and save money. If your lawyer is still using paper and mailing documents then he is costing you more money. Times have changed and DUI attorneys need to be more efficient with their productivity. The other part of a lawyer’s overhead is office space. This is where the difference in the cost of two similar lawyers comes in. If the lawyer has to pay for marble floors and expensive staff, he shifts the cost onto you. We understand that some customers feel that if they have beautiful marble floor and beautiful wall paintings then it must be good. This is not necessarily true. Remember, it’s your dollars at work. Without question, the more your attorney pays for his overhead, the more you will pay for his service.
So What Should You Pay for a Good DUI Lawyer in DC?
Like most urban court houses, the dockets are crowded and so an attorney spends more time waiting for cases to be called, which is why a DUI in DC costs more than a rural court. There are at least 2 court appearances for DUI cases in the District of Columbia. Below are estimates for the typical cost of a DUI attorney in DC.
1scheduled tribe offenses
DUI Attorney Costs for a Non-Jury Trial First offense costs typically range between $2000.00 to $3000.00 dollars. If you pay a DUI attorney less than $1000.00 then you are probably referred to as a “Dump Truck” attorney. He begs you at the first opportunity. Remember, a lawyer’s duty is to investigate, consult and prepare the case whether the case goes to trial or not. Trials typically take a day or less, but can be extended depending on the court’s schedule.
2Ra crime, 3third crime cost
A jury trial for a DUI in the District of Columbia is a minimum of $4000.00 – $6000.00 depending on the facts. Jury trials usually take a day or two, not including waiting for a verdict.
Be wary of any lawyer offering guarantees. In fact, there is no guarantee. If you are charged with DUI there is only one guarantee an attorney should make to you – that he or she will defend you zealously within the bounds of the law.
Remember that if an expert is used in the trial, the cost may be higher as the client is usually responsible for all expert fees. It also does not include representation before the DMV. Representation before the DMV is usually a “stay of proceedings” pending the outcome of DC Superior Court proceedings. The typical cost for DMV representation is $300.00 to $500.00 dollars.
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