The cost of hiring a DUI lawyer in Illinois is mainly based on the experience of the lawyer and the amount of lawyer training in the DUI Act. Some other reasons may vary between lawyers, such as attorney overhead.
This is why the costs of a DUI attorney should not be of great importance. Think of it this way. If your lawyer gets you out of jail, you don't miss work or you lose your job because of this problem, the price to pay will be reduced to a few thousand dollars for that. Compare to the unpredictable consequences you may encounter by being in jail and losing your source of income.
Most DUI lawyer fees are less than $ 4,000 and can be significantly less depending on your area and the lawyer of your choice. You just want to make sure you get one that will help you in the right direction and you will get a deal you can handle, not the ones that will give you just the usual deal that everyone will get anyway.
How Much Does A Dui Lawyer Cost?
If you've been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you don't have a lot of time to hire a lawyer. But you shouldn't hire just any lawyer. The article condenses the average cost of hiring an Illinois DUI attorney for your case.
The cost is typically starting at a minimum of $1,500 up to 25,000 when fighting a first time DUI charge in court with an attorney. Several factors can affect the average cost of DUI and DUI attorneys in Illinois. The cost may vary depending on the attorney, the criminal charges, and the activities surrounding your arrest.
What Are the Penalties of DUI in Illinois, Chicago?
According to Illinois DUI law, the penalties for drunken driving involves the revocation of your Illinois driver's license for at least one year, possible imprisonment, hefty fines, and community service. This can have a wrecking effect as it can lead to loss of your job, marriage, or other things that are important to you.
How to Know What A DUI Will Cost in Illinois?
It is a DUI offense to drive, attempt to drive or to oversee a moving vehicle in Illinois if the level of alcohol or drugs in your breath, blood or urine exceeds the prescribed level. Once the level of drug or alcohol is higher than .08 BAC, you can be charged with a DUI charge in Illinois.
Aside from the revocation of license and possible imprisonment, those who are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) face a series of Illinois DUI costs and fines. Below are the cost and fines associated with drunken driving in Illinois, Chicago.
Illinois DUI Classes Cost
You will be mandated to take a class on the dangers of a DUI in Illinois, and you’ll have to pay for it. Remedial substance abuse class starting at $50 a class and counseling fees of $200. Plus, there’s an additional Illinois DUI cost for drug and alcohol screening.
Initial Illinois DUI Costs, Fines, and Fees
Upon a DUI arrest in Illinois, you will likely have to post bail, from several hundred to several thousand dollars. The good news is that it will be returned to you minus non-refundable fees if you appear as planned in court.
You may also have to pay a towing and impound fee to get your car back, which is typically another $500 to $2,000 in IL DUI costs. If you are convicted of a DUI in Illinois, you will have to pay a high DUI fine, which can run from the hundreds to thousands of dollars, plus additional court costs.
Increase in the Cost of Illinois DUI Insurance premiums
It is important to point out that a DUI charge can increase your insurance by an average of 19%. However, the increase can vary depending on factors like where you reside and your insurance company. How long you’ll pay a higher insurance rate depends on your insurance company, but generally, it’s no less than an average of three years. High-risk insurance after a DUI will cost an additional average of $1,500 a year and typically required for 3 years.
Ignition Interlock Cost
Even for first-time DUI offense in Illinois, an Ignition Interlock Device and the cost for installation and maintenance of the device is often part of the strict IL DUI penalties for a driver charged with driving under the influence or intoxicated.
An Ignition Interlock Device is a machine that records your blood alcohol content (BAC) and allows the car to start only if your BAC is below a set limit. Installing an Ignition Interlock Device in Illinois usually cost $100 to $200, and the monthly rental fees range from $70 to $100. Also, regular maintenance and calibration will cost extra.
Other Cost of a DUI in Illinois
Aside from the usual financial drain, there are several other costs that a DUI offender may face. In most cases scenario, you may lose your job, especially if it involves driving. A DUI in Illinois could also impact prospective employment. The length of it remaining on your record is dependent on the state, but in Illinois, it is permanent. A future employer will likely find such information during a background check.
Also, offenders may lose valuable time owing to continuous court appearances, community service, DUI classes, and jail. This tends to affect the psychological state of most offenders.
Things to Know When Hiring an Illinois DUI Attorney
The key to finding the best Chicago DUI attorney is in the interviews you conduct before you hire a lawyer. Most DUI attorneys in Illinois are willing to chat with you briefly to introduce themselves and hear about your case. Your purpose for these meetings is to learn about the attorney’s background and experience, discuss your legal options, and decide whether this is the Illinois DUI attorney you want to hire.
Find out about their experience
This is essential when it comes to hiring a credible and great DUI attorney. Find out how often they have represented clients with DUI charges in Cook County, Illinois. You can also try to find out their win-rate when it comes to DUI cases.
Learn about their options and strategies
Most Illinois DUI attorneys you meet will ask you specific questions about your arrest. They'll want to understand what happened and the evidence against you.
Unless the prosecution drops the charges against you, you are looking at three legal options: plead guilty, try to negotiate a plea bargain which would have you pleading guilty to a lesser charge, or plead not guilty and go to trial. Have the lawyers review the consequences of each option. Also, ask the lawyers how they would handle your case.
Find out about their legal fees
After a careful review of your charge, most defense attorneys in Cook County, Illinois will have fee transparency and will discuss fees with you during this initial consultation. This way, you can be in an informed position to make the decision on the DUI attorney that is best to hire for your own case.
Most commonly, DUI lawyer price range fees are provided on a fixed payment basis, meaning they will agree to a price for all the work required in your case or for a license hearing, including its preparation and your representation at the criminal court. This allows you to move forward with the confidence that there will be no hidden or unexpected charges after your case.
Be careful trying to choose an attorney who is charging you a very low flat rate for your DUI. A DUI lawyer who charges you anything under $1,500 may be looking to just plead you guilty in one or to court dates and not have your best interests in mind. REMEMBER being charged with a DUI can have a lifetime impact on your life, therefore it is important to find the right attorney who will have your best interest in mind.
Why is Ktenas Law the Best Choice for DUI cases in Cook County, Illinois?
Whether you were out in Cook County, Illinois with friends and loved ones or attending an event, being arrested for a Chicago DUI can be a stressful experience – especially if you have been summoned to appear in court for a DUI in Illinois the very next business day! You probably have many questions about penalties for a DUI in Illinois, the court process, and possible defenses you may have in your case.
You may also have concerns about your driver’s license and ability to drive. It is important to be fully informed about several paths you can take regarding this administrative license suspension action. Contact us today, and we will be happy to explain which path might be right for you.
Our Experienced Illinois DUI Attorneys are available to answer your questions
We are not like other lawyers who use pressure tactics to hire them. Our experienced Chicago Criminal Defense attorneys understand the anxiety you are experiencing. We can put your mind at ease as we explain how we successfully defend Illinois DUI cases. We will also explain the court and investigation process where your case is pending. Our attorneys are available anytime to discuss your case – including weekends!
The best option is to hire an experienced and professional DUI lawyer to defend you in court. So, do not wait, immediately contact Ktenas Law and clear all the DUI fees from your driver records!
