DUI Attorney Payment Plans

Hiring a skilled driving under the influence (DUI) attorney can be expensive. However, if you consider the costs of a drunk-driving conviction, which includes hefty fines, increased insurance premiums, and time off work to perform community service, you may determine that the hiring an attorney is worth the expense. Fortunately, many attorneys offer payment plans that allow customers to make monthly payments for their legal representation.

Typically, a DUI attorney will require a large down payment (or retainer) to take the case, with monthly payments being made until the fees are paid off. When a client sets up a payment plan, most law firms will ask for credit card authorizations or post-dated checks upfront. If the attorney charges a flat fee, rather than hour billing, this allows the client to know how much the bill will be each month. The post-dated payments also protect the attorney from having to take the client to collections for not paying legal fees.

While some law firms advertise that they will accept cases for no money down, this arrangement is not the norm. A good DUI attorney will need money up front to justify the time and work they put into building the client’s case. Also, an upfront payment allows the attorney to cover costs required to withdraw from the case if the client stops paying his or her legal fees.

Law firms that allow monthly payment plans often require that all fees be paid before going to trial. Whether the client wins or loses, the odds of the attorney receiving the remainder of the payments after the trial ends dramatically decreases.

Some DUI attorneys mention that they offer payment plans during the consultation process; however, some do not. If you are interesting in a payment plan with your DUI attorney, ask if one is offered.

If you are currently facing drunk-driving charges, you should speak to a DUI attorney in your area. An attorney can answer any questions you may have and discuss payment plans. By having experienced legal representation on your side, you may increase the chances of winning your case or having it dismissed.