How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Florida?

Quick Answer: Why There Is No Single DUI Lawyer Price

How much does a DUI lawyer cost? There is no single number. The price depends on the facts of the arrest, how far the case goes, and what the court requires. Most DUI defense lawyers charge either a flat fee for a defined job or an hourly rate for the time they spend.

The total you pay is usually more than the attorney’s fee alone. Court costs, state fees and program charges are separate. The sections below explain each piece, so you can plan the budget before you make any decisions.

Flat Fee vs. Hourly Rate: How Each Works

A flat fee is one set amount for a defined job. For example, it might cover handling a first-offense case through final resolution. An hourly rate bills you for each hour of work, including calls, document review and court appearances.

A flat fee is easier to plan around. But you need to know exactly what it covers. Ask whether it includes every court date, talks with the prosecutor, and any hearing about your license. Ask what happens if the case goes to trial.

An hourly arrangement can cost less on a simple case and more on a complicated one. Because hours add up over time, the final bill is harder to predict.

Before you sign anything, get a written fee agreement. It should spell out the scope of work, the billing method and any extra charges. That document is your reference point if the case changes.

What Affects the Cost of a DUI Defense

The cost depends on the facts of your case. Three factors matter most: the type of test used, whether a crash happened, and whether you have prior charges or a license problem.

A breath, blood or urine test can open different lines of review than an arrest based mainly on officer observations. A crash adds more evidence to examine. Prior charges raise the stakes.

A case that resolves without a trial usually takes less attorney time than one headed to a contested hearing or jury trial. Scope drives cost.

A DUI case involving serious injury or death is a more complex matter. Our vehicular homicide defense page explains that category.

What a First-Offense DUI Lawyer Costs

A first-offense case is often narrower than a repeat case. That can mean a smaller scope of work, but the scope still depends on the facts. The penalties Florida sets are separate from the attorney’s fee.

The court must also place offenders on monthly reporting probation and require a DUI program course. That course includes a psychosocial evaluation, and the offender pays the reasonable costs of it.

If the blood or breath alcohol level was unlawful, an ignition interlock device may be installed for at least 6 continuous months. See Fla. Stat. § 322.2715.

Ask whether the quoted fee covers court dates, talks with the prosecutor and any license hearing. Those three items drive most of the work.

Costs Beyond the Attorney’s Fee

Expect several costs beyond the lawyer’s fee. Florida sets many of them by statute, so you can check each one.

• DUI program enrollment: Each DUI program assesses $15 against each person enrolling. See Fla. Stat. § 322.293.
• License reinstatement: After a suspension, the service fee is $45. After a revocation, it is $75. A $130 fee also applies to a DUI-related suspension or revocation. See Fla. Stat. § 322.21.
• Court costs: Florida law adds a statutory court cost of $20 for a misdemeanor or criminal traffic offense and $50 for a felony, on top of other penalties (Fla. Stat. § 775.083(2)). This is one statutory court cost among others, so the total a DUI case may cost is higher. See Fla. Stat. § 775.083.
• Ignition interlock: The installer collects $12 per installation, on top of other installation and maintenance fees.
• Witness fees: If you request a formal review hearing and a witness must appear, the party requesting that witness pays the witness fees. See Fla. Stat. § 322.2615.

Florida DUI penalties can also include license revocation, DUI school, probation and imprisonment, according to the Florida Department of Transportation. Ask your lawyer for a written list of every cost you may owe, so you know the total before the case begins.

Talk Through Your Situation Before You Decide

A DUI arrest is stressful. You may be worried about your license, your job or a family member, all while planning for the cost. Many people face the fee question before they understand the whole case.

If you have a recent arrest or a court date coming up, our team can review the facts with you. Patrick Wilson Law, PLLC, a Miami criminal defense firm, offers a free, confidential first consultation with no obligation to continue. Call 786-761-1719 or reach out through our contact page.

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