DUI Attorney Retainer Fee

If you are facing driving under the influence (DUI) charges, you should look into hiring an experienced DUI attorney to represent you during this difficult time. An attorney will examine the circumstances of your drunk-driving arrest to determine how you avoid or minimize the penalties associated with a DUI conviction.

When hiring legal representation, you may be required to pay a DUI attorney retainer fee. This is an upfront fee that most attorneys require in order to take on your case. By paying a retainer fee, you ensure that the attorney will offer you his or her legal services. The fee also justifies the time and work that the attorney puts into your DUI case.

Retainer fees also offer a form of protection for the attorney. For example, if a client is on a payment plan and decides to stop making payments, the attorney cannot simply quit; he or she must apply to the court and attend a hearing in order to withdraw from the case. By requesting a payment upfront, the attorney can cover the fees required to withdraw.

Your attorney will provide you with a written agreement of the services he or she will perform on your case. This agreement, which is required in many states, should lay out your responsibilities and those of your attorney.

Your agreement will contain information regarding the criminal charges that you are currently facing, such as the date of arrest and which court is hearing your case. If you set up a payment plan, the payment structure and arrangements will be listed. The agreement should also specify any expenses and fees beyond the standard legal fee (such as expert witness fees), list all attorneys and staff within the law firm who will be working on your case, and state when your attorney/client relationship concludes.

If you cannot afford to pay all the fees at once (minus the cost of the retainer), your DUI attorney may set up a payment plan for you. You may be asked for post-dated checks or monthly credit card authorizations to ensure payment.

To learn more about DUI attorney retainer fees, speak to an experienced DUI attorney in your area today.