If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence, you probably know you should hire a competent lawyer. However, you may fear that a good DUI lawyer will cost too much. This is understandable but you need to think about how much is at stake. A DUI is a serious charge and the consequences for convicts are significant.
If you are found guilty of driving under the influence, you could face fines, jail time, job loss, and driver’s license suspension. It’s impossible to put a dollar figure on all the stress and displacement that DUI convicts can face. Therefore, if you want to ensure the best possible outcome, you should seriously consider hiring a Boise DUI attorney. Yes, you’ll have to pay but you could be saving even more in the long run.
What Determines How Much a DUI Lawyer Will Charge?
Contrary to what you may have heard, the fees attorneys charge aren’t arbitrary. The Idaho State Bar has rules that help to influence how much an attorney will charge. In addition, the cost will vary depending on if you accept a plea deal or you take your case to trial. The more time an attorney has to spend on your case, the higher the fees will be.
If you enter into a plea agreement, you could have to spend anywhere from $1,000 to $1,800. However, if the case has to go to trial, fees can range widely from $3, 000 to $25, 000. A lot depends on the level of the offense you’ve been charged with and the complexity of your case.
You may be wondering if a Boise DUI attorney is worth the cost. If you genuinely can’t afford to hire an attorney, the court will provide one for you. For someone in dire financial straits, it’s better to have a public defender than no attorney at all. However, if you can find the means to hire a private attorney, you should do so. Here are some of the pros and cons you need to consider.
Deciding Between a Private DUI Attorney and a Public Defender
There are many benefits of hiring a private attorney if you’ve been charged with a DUI. For example, you’ll get to choose the lawyer you want after scheduling free consultations and learning about your options. You’ll also be working with a DUI specialist who has time to dedicate to your case. Not every private lawyer has lots of court experience. Therefore, if you intend to contest the charges, you’ll need to make sure the one you hire does. Even though you’ll have to pay, many attorneys offer monthly payment plans.
Meanwhile, public defenders will represent you at no cost to you since they are paid by the government. Many have lots of court experience. However, the court will assign an attorney to you and you will have no say in who represents you. Another thing to keep in mind is that public defendent are often overworked, and they won’t have much time to dedicate to you.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. However, if you can pay for a lawyer, in many cases you may not be eligible for a public defender.
Deciding Whether to Go to Trial
You probably noticed the vast difference in attorneys’ fees depending on whether you go to trial or not. You may be thinking that it’s better to accept a plea deal. However, this isn’t something you should decide on your own. You need to discuss the details of your case with your lawyer so they can recommend the option that’s best for you.
Many people who are accused of DUIs reach a deal with the prosecutor and they plead guilty to either the DUI or a lesser charge. The accused and the prosecutor also agree on the penalty. If you go to trial, you won’t be guaranteed a particular outcome. The judge may impose the maximum punishment. If there is strong evidence against you, your attorney is unlikely to recommend that you go to trial. Similarly, if the prosecution’s case against you is weak, they may offer you a reduced charge to avoid a trial. In any case, you need to have your lawyer review any offers that are made.
Contact Trilogy Law Group Today for a Free Consultation.
Before you give up and simply plead guilty to drunk driving, call our Boise DUI lawyers for advice. We may be able to get the charges dropped or reduced. If that’s not possible, we’ll still work to get you the best possible outcome. When you pay us to represent you, you’ll know you’re in good hands. Our attorneys will do everything possible to prevent your DUI charge from ruining your life. Schedule a consultation today.