When facing a DUI (driving under the influence) or OWI (operating while intoxicated) charge, the potential costs associated with the charge can be a major concern. And while DUI penalties can be costly, the potential life-altering penalties can be even worse. That’s why it’s critical to find an experienced DUI lawyer who can help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case. DUI lawyer costs can vary greatly in Michigan. So what should you expect to pay? And how do you know you’re getting the best possible representation for the fee?
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through what you can expect to pay for a quality Michigan DUI lawyer and how the fees can differ depending on the type of charge you’re facing.
Do I need to hire a DUI lawyer?
Before determining how much a drunk driving attorney may cost, it’s important to understand the value of legal support.
While it can be tempting to avoid hiring an attorney to save on costs, NOT having one will likely cost you a lot more in the long run. Experienced OWI lawyers understand how to navigate the complex Michigan court system, and the best Grand Rapids DUI lawyers can give you a better chance of avoiding unnecessary fines.
But helping you reduce or avoid fines is just one area in which a DUI lawyer can help. The penalties associated with a Grand Rapids DUI can include jail time, community service, the loss of your license and much more. Often, your lawyer can help you bargain down to reduced sentences or help avoid the worst of these consequences, including an overly lengthy suspension of your license.
If you’re still not sure about whether you should hire a DUI lawyer or not, keep in mind that most attorneys will offer a free consultation. This is a great first step because during this consultation you’ll be able to get to know your potential legal representative, learn about their experience and strategy, and see if they’re the best fit for you.
Bonus Resource: “What to Ask a DUI Lawyer During Your First Consultation”
What is the average fee for a Michigan drunk driving attorney?
When hiring an drunk driving defense lawyer, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. As you evaluate your options, keep in mind that you should be looking for a DUI lawyer who has the necessary experience and skills to help you with your case.
It can be tempting to hire the least expensive lawyer, but that can often mean you’ll be working with the least experienced lawyer. In other cases, predatory lawyers can take advantage of scared clients by charging sky-high fees.
Don’t let that be you.
In Kent County, many attorneys will charge between $3,000-$5,000 for a 1st- and/or 2nd-offense misdemeanor. If your case goes to trial, that cost can double, bringing you up to $6,000-$10,000 in OWI attorney fees for a 1st or 2nd offense. Some websites even claim DUI lawyers can charge up to $25,000.
Sometimes, lawyers make it difficult for you to see exactly what their fees are. But in my opinion, you have a right to know what you will be charged for legal services. Navigating a drunk driving offense in Michigan is difficult enough, which is why I prefer to make my fees clear, simple, and easy to understand.
What is the cost for the best DUI lawyer in West Michigan?
For charges in the Kent County area (including locations like Muskegon County, Ottawa County, Ionia County, Calhoun County, Allegan or Allendale), my fees are as follows:
- Traffic offense (civil infractions, not misdemeanors): $500-$750
- Misdemeanor expungement: $1,500
- Felony expungement: $2,000
- 1st OWI offense: $2,500
- 2nd OWI offense: $3,000
- 3rd OWI offense (a felony charge): $5,000
If you’re not sure if your case qualifies for expungement, click here to review the qualifications — or simply give us a call today.
Remember: You may be able to find a Grand Rapids area DUI lawyer at a lower cost, but lower costs often come from inexperienced lawyers. And if you end up with an inexperienced lawyer, you may end up paying more in life consequences than you do in financial costs. On the other hand, big firms may charge higher-than-average fees but often don’t give you the personalized attention a successful defense requires.
Conclusion:
By now, you should have a good sense of how much it costs to hire a Grand Rapids DUI lawyer. If you’re reading this, you’re doing your research, which is the first step to avoid paying too much or wasting your money by hiring an inexperienced lawyer. Hiring a Grand Rapids OWI lawyer can be daunting, but finding an experienced attorney at a reasonable rate ensures that you’re on the right path.
For nearly two decades, we’ve served thousands of clients facing DUI/OWI charges. Mark Caldwell offers the expertise you need to fight for your rights without the exorbitant fees that some other OWI attorneys charge. Mark’s clients often highlight not just his ability to help them achieve the best possible outcome for their case — but to do so with personalized care and one-on-one attention.
“The fee charged for his services was well worth the outcome.” – D. Jones
“Mark is extremely helpful and knowledgeable … He’s by far the best attorney you could have working with you!” – K. Kimbler
“Mark is the way to go … Having him represent me was the best decision I’ve ever made.” – M. Coronado
Ready to take a step in the right direction by working with the best DUI lawyer in Grand Rapids? Give Mark Caldwell a call today to schedule a free consultation at (616) 915-6576 or reach out via email at mark@markmcaldwell.com.
