How Much Does DUI Lawyer Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does DUI Lawyer Include?
A DUI lawyer defends you against drunk driving charges. Total costs include attorney fees, court costs, fines, and related expenses like DUI school and license reinstatement.
The national average cost for dui lawyer is $4,000 per case. Most homeowners pay between $1,500 and $10,000, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Attorney Fees
First offense: $1,500-$5,000. Repeat offense: $3,000-$10,000. Felony DUI: $5,000-$15,000+
Total DUI Cost
Including fines, insurance increases, classes: $10,000-$25,000 total
Trial
Going to trial can add $5,000-$15,000 in attorney fees
Key Cost Factors
- ✓First offense vs repeat
- ✓BAC level
- ✓Whether an accident occurred
- ✓Attorney experience
- ✓Plea deal vs trial
- ✓State laws
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Public defenders are free if you qualify
- 2.Ask about flat-fee arrangements
- 3.Some attorneys offer free initial consultations
- 4.Resolving early with a plea can significantly reduce legal fees
📈 DUI Lawyer Cost Trends (2022–2026)
Prices have increased +17.8% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $3,397 | — |
| 2023 | $3,540 | +4.2% |
| 2024 | $3,770 | +6.5% |
| 2025 | $3,876 | +2.8% |
| 2026 | $4,000 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
DUI Lawyer Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,230 | $3,280 | $8,200 |
| Alaska | $1,920 | $5,120 | $12,800 |
| Arizona | $1,425 | $3,800 | $9,500 |
| Arkansas | $1,200 | $3,200 | $8,000 |
| California | $2,025 | $5,400 | $13,500 |
| Colorado | $1,620 | $4,320 | $10,800 |
| Connecticut | $1,830 | $4,880 | $12,200 |
| Delaware | $1,575 | $4,200 | $10,500 |
| District of Columbia | $1,875 | $5,000 | $12,500 |
| Florida | $1,470 | $3,920 | $9,800 |
| Georgia | $1,350 | $3,600 | $9,000 |
| Hawaii | $2,130 | $5,680 | $14,200 |
| Idaho | $1,380 | $3,680 | $9,200 |
| Illinois | $1,575 | $4,200 | $10,500 |
| Indiana | $1,320 | $3,520 | $8,800 |
| Iowa | $1,290 | $3,440 | $8,600 |
| Kansas | $1,275 | $3,400 | $8,500 |
| Kentucky | $1,260 | $3,360 | $8,400 |
| Louisiana | $1,305 | $3,480 | $8,700 |
| Maine | $1,530 | $4,080 | $10,200 |
| Maryland | $1,725 | $4,600 | $11,500 |
| Massachusetts | $1,950 | $5,200 | $13,000 |
| Michigan | $1,380 | $3,680 | $9,200 |
| Minnesota | $1,530 | $4,080 | $10,200 |
| Mississippi | $1,170 | $3,120 | $7,800 |
| Missouri | $1,305 | $3,480 | $8,700 |
| Montana | $1,425 | $3,800 | $9,500 |
| Nebraska | $1,320 | $3,520 | $8,800 |
| Nevada | $1,530 | $4,080 | $10,200 |
| New Hampshire | $1,680 | $4,480 | $11,200 |
| New Jersey | $1,875 | $5,000 | $12,500 |
| New Mexico | $1,350 | $3,600 | $9,000 |
| New York | $1,980 | $5,280 | $13,200 |
| North Carolina | $1,350 | $3,600 | $9,000 |
| North Dakota | $1,350 | $3,600 | $9,000 |
| Ohio | $1,350 | $3,600 | $9,000 |
| Oklahoma | $1,245 | $3,320 | $8,300 |
| Oregon | $1,650 | $4,400 | $11,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,530 | $4,080 | $10,200 |
| Rhode Island | $1,725 | $4,600 | $11,500 |
| South Carolina | $1,305 | $3,480 | $8,700 |
| South Dakota | $1,275 | $3,400 | $8,500 |
| Tennessee | $1,290 | $3,440 | $8,600 |
| Texas | $1,395 | $3,720 | $9,300 |
| Utah | $1,425 | $3,800 | $9,500 |
| Vermont | $1,620 | $4,320 | $10,800 |
| Virginia | $1,575 | $4,200 | $10,500 |
| Washington | $1,725 | $4,600 | $11,500 |
| West Virginia | $1,200 | $3,200 | $8,000 |
| Wisconsin | $1,410 | $3,760 | $9,400 |
| Wyoming | $1,380 | $3,680 | $9,200 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get a lawyer for a DUI?
Yes, almost always. A good DUI attorney can often reduce charges, minimize penalties, or find procedural issues that help your case.
What's the total cost of a DUI?
When you factor in fines, attorney fees, increased insurance (3-5 years), DUI school, and license reinstatement: $10,000-$25,000 for a first offense.
🏙️ DUI Lawyer Cost by City
Compare dui lawyer costs in the most popular US cities:
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