When you’ve been charged with driving under the influence, figuring out your next best steps can be tough. While you’re legally allowed to represent yourself in court, most drivers benefit from working with an experienced South Carolina DUI defense lawyer. You will need to pay for their services, and before you schedule your first appointment with your defense attorney, it’s helpful to have a general idea of what you’ll have to pay.
The Average Cost of Working With a South Carolina DUI Defense Lawyer
The average cost of working with a DUI defense attorney varies across the board. Individuals facing DUI charges can spend as little as $1,000 or as much as $10,000. It all depends on the attorney and your unique case.
Factors That Impact the Cost
Though the cost can vary, there are some factors that can influence the amount you’ll pay. Here are some of the top factors that can determine how much you pay for your legal representation:
- The attorney’s experience: More experienced attorneys typically command higher rates than less experienced attorneys. But paying for a more experienced attorney means you’ll benefit from their years in court and their deep understanding of South Carolina law.
- The complexity of your case: More complex cases, especially those where other individuals were injured as a result of the DUI, take more work to prepare for and argue in court. The more legwork your legal team has to do, the more you’ll typically have to pay.
- The immediacy of your case: If your case requires immediate attention due to the severity of your charges, attorneys may charge higher rates. This is because they need to divert resources from other work to your case, which changes their schedule and may impact their other clients.
Every case is unique and the factors that influence how much you’ll pay will depend on your case and your situation. Prior to hiring an attorney, make sure to ask how they’ll charge for their services based on your situation. Consider comparing rates from several attorneys
What to Look for When Hiring a Lawyer
Though it’s tempting to hire a lawyer based on price alone, especially if you’re worried about fines, missed work, and other expenses, doing so isn’t the best idea. Instead, you’ll want to choose an attorney who understands your case and who you’re comfortable working with. As you start your search, look for the following characteristics as you speak to different South Carolina DUI defense lawyers:
- Experience with DUI cases: Look for an attorney with extensive experience working on DUI cases. Attorneys who specialize in DUI defense will be better able to represent your case.
- Great communication skills: Attorneys need to be able to explain complicated concepts to those unfamiliar with the law. Pay attention to how each attorney communicates during your consultation. Choose a lawyer that explains things in a way you can easily understand.
- Stellar reputation: Don’t hesitate to check out reviews and testimonials online to see what previous clients have to say about the quality of the attorneys’ work. If most previous clients were happy with their services, you’ll likely have a similar experience.
- Free consultations: Reputable DUI defense lawyers offer free consultations to ensure that their experience aligns with the intricacies of your case. Look for an attorney who offers free consultations so you can make sure you’re comfortable working with them. If they charge for the consultation, keep looking.
Keep in mind that this is far from an exhaustive list. Use your best judgment and work with an attorney who you’re comfortable with.
Schedule a Consultation Today
At Truslow & Truslow, our experienced South Carolina DUI defense lawyers are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and let our team take the stress out of navigating the legal process.