The potential costs you will face if accused of drunk driving are high, and although there are a variety of costs associated with a DUI case and possible conviction, the primary concern for many is the cost of hiring a private defense attorney. There is a huge range of OWI lawyer fees in Michigan, which can be extremely confusing for anyone facing a drunk driving charge. Some attorneys charge a few hundred dollars, while others charge tens of thousands of dollars, for what most clients assume is a relatively similar service. The differences between attorneys are stark, however, and the potential costs you will face if you do not work with the best possible attorney will likely be much greater than the cost of even the best DUI defense attorney. It is critical that a defendant understands how much is at stake in a Muskegon DUI case, and not simply seeks out the cheapest attorney.
Still, it is not enough just to look at how much an attorney charges, as some of the best attorneys charge less than other, less experienced lawyers. Like any service you buy, you should look at the key differences between options and figure out which is the right fit for your budget and needs. Always consider an attorney’s experience in your area, in the type of case you are facing, and with clients similar to you. In addition, look at the success rate of attorneys, and the past results they have been able to obtain for clients. The best attorney for you should be able to prove it through past results and client testimonials.
Grabel & Associates is recognized as one of the premier providers of DUI defense in Muskegon and statewide, and for over 10 years clients have depended on us to provide valuable defense throughout every stage of the criminal process. Call our firm or contact us online now and let us tell you why we are regarded as one of the top defense firms in Michigan.
A large part of the differences in cost between attorneys comes down to how they charge clients for legal services. Contingency billing, where a client pays based on the results of the case, is not allowed in Michigan criminal law, so a flat fee or hourly structure must be used.
If a lawyer bills using a flat fee, you will know from the outset how much you are going to pay. This can be beneficial if your case requires more work than the average DUI case, or if problems arise during the course of your case. With a flat fee, you won’t have bills add up and find yourself unable to continue your defense, as you will already know the total cost of your DUI defense from start to finish.
Hourly billing also has its advantages, especially if you think your case can be won more easily. If your case doesn’t take as much time, you can save money by using an hourly attorney, and may even be able to afford a better attorney. It is still critical to prepare yourself for the total cost and estimate how much you need to pay to win your case, not just start the defense process.
Even within both these billing categories, there is a lot of different price levels for drunk driving defense. A lawyer can charge anything considered reasonable for DUI defense, which usually means between $1,000 and $10,000, though some are able to charge as much as $25,000 or more. An attorney’s fees depend greatly on his or her experience and past success, and it is important to consider not only what an attorney charges, but why they are able to charge that amount.
If you are unable to win your case, you could face jail time, fines, driver responsibility fees, license suspension and reinstatement fees, costs of installing and renting an ignition interlock device, and more. In addition, you may lose your job, scholarships, and be unable to obtain a loan. The costs of a DUI conviction are usually much more than what you will pay for an experienced attorney, and you need to weigh these potential costs before making a decision in regards to who you will hire.
Our attorneys have the experience and skill needed to protect clients in even the most complex criminal cases, and we strive to make our top-level defense available to as many of Michigan’s accused as we can. The costs of a private attorney can add up, which is why our lawyers strive to ensure that the value of our services matches what we charge for criminal defense. Our client testimonials demonstrate just how valuable our attorney’s guidance has been to past clients, and our proven results show why we have a reputation as a leader in DUI defense.
To learn more about our firm’s DUI defense services, call 1-800-342-7896 or contact us online. We are available 24/7 to provide anyone facing DUI investigation or charges with a free initial case consultation, and will not rest until we have done all we can to protect you from serious, life-altering penalties.