How much is a DUI lawyer in Maryland?
Facing a DUI? Learn what to expect from your Maryland DUI attorney, including cost, process, and more with Attorney Paolo Gnocchi of Scrofano Law PC.
How Much Is a DUI Lawyer in Maryland?
One of the first concerns you may have after a DUI or DWI arrest is how to defend yourself. Should you hire an attorney? Should you use a public defender? Or are you better off doing it alone?
If you’ve been charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Maryland, immediately calling a seasoned criminal defense lawyer is the best way to protect your rights. While many defendants worry about the cost of hiring a Maryland DUI lawyer, having a strong defender on your side can actually decrease the total cost of your DUI case.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from the Maryland criminal law experts at Scrofano Law PC.
What Determines the Cost of a DUI Attorney?
The cost to hire a DUI attorney is determined by the facts of the case as well as the client’s previous criminal and driving record. The more serious the charges are, the greater the cost to hire a DUI criminal defense attorney in Maryland.
The cost will also depend, in part, on how your case is resolved. If you hire a DUI lawyer to merely negotiate a plea deal, the cost might be considerably lower than hiring a lawyer to represent you in trial. The cost may also be higher if you require representation at an MVA driver’s license suspension hearing.
Is It Worth the Cost to Hire a Good DUI Lawyer?
The skill and experience of the DUI attorney will also be a substantial factor in how much they charge. It’s always a good idea to refer to testimonials from previous clients to better ascertain the quality, track record, and skillset of a lawyer. You may also want to find a lawyer who offers free case evaluations.
Since a drunk driving arrest and prospective conviction can be extremely costly, many offenders attempt to lessen the cost by working with a cheap attorney with little DUI experience. However, selecting a Maryland DUI attorney based on attorney fees alone might endanger your case and ultimately cost you more in fines, lost job opportunities, car insurance rates, and more.
Instead of searching for cheap representation in Maryland, look for a reputable lawyer who offers a balance of great value and quality DUI defense.
Average Cost of DUI Lawyer
With all the above factors taken into consideration, the average cost of a DUI lawyer in Maryland is around $2,500. However, the cost for a specific case will usually range anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.
This can be further broken down based on the type of legal action you’re pursuing — negotiating a plea deal will generally cost between $750 and $2,000, while trial rates can range from $2,500 for simple first-offense cases to $10,000 for those with more serious charges such as a prior DUI conviction.
Ultimately, these are just estimates, and the best way to determine exactly how much it will cost to hire a DUI lawyer is to consult a trusted criminal defense attorney in your area. To get a better idea of how much your DUI defense will cost and begin fighting for your freedom, future, and reputation, please contact Paolo Gnocchi of Scrofano Law PC today to schedule a free consultation.
