How much does a DUI lawyer cost in Denver?

A Denver DUI/DWAI lawyer typically charges $2,500 to $5,000 for misdemeanor cases and $7,500 to $15,000 for felony cases. The precise amount typically depends on the following four factors:

1. The attorney’s experience and reputation. A seasoned DUI lawyer with years of experience and a reputation for winning difficult cases will likely cost more than a general criminal defense lawyer with less specialization.
2. The law firm’s size and location. Larger law firms with extensive resources may charge more than solo practitioners. Additionally, attorneys in major cities like Denver may have higher fees compared to lawyers in smaller towns.
3. Whether the case settles. Many attorneys charge a flat fee for handling plea bargains, while trial representation could cost twice as much due to the extra time, preparation, and courtroom representation involved.
4. The case’s complexity. Variables that can make a case more complicated include:
   • Prior DUI convictions,
   • High BAC (blood alcohol concentration) levels,
   • Accidents involving injuries, death, or property damage,
   • A refusal to take a breath test or blood test, and/or
   • Any additional charge(s) (such as reckless driving or drug possession).

In sum, what a Denver DUI attorney will charge to represent you depends on many considerations. The most important thing is you hire the lawyer who you are most comfortable with and who inspires the most confidence: The right lawyer for you may very well not cost a fortune or have billboard ads on every highway.

In this article I discuss common forms of payment, associated DUI costs, and why having an attorney is necessary. Also listen to our informational podcast:

Understanding DUI Lawyer Fee Structures

The initial attorney consultation is usually free-of-charge. This allows you to audition as many lawyers as you want without having to spend a cent.

Once you decide on a Denver DUI lawyer, they will generally charge an upfront flat fee retainer that covers all your legal services from beginning to end. Though in felony cases, attorneys typically charge everything except for trial costs: If the case ever does proceed to trial (which is rare), then they would charge more.

Many firms like mine offer payment plans where you pay a portion up front and the rest on a monthly basis, interest-free.

Occasionally you will find an attorney who charges by the hour, though this is risky because you can never guess how long the case will last. With flat fee retainers, you know from the beginning how much you have to pay for end-to-end legal representation.

Additional Costs Associated with a DUI Conviction

Aside from attorney fees, a Colorado DUI conviction comes with 15 other financial burdens that could amount to tens of thousands of dollars.

1. Court Fines

• Court fines for a first-time misdemeanor DUI in Colorado range from $600 to $1,000. Second or third DUI‘s have a top range of $1,500.
• In felony cases, the fines range from $2,000 to $750,000, depending on whether anyone died.

2. Court Fees

• A sentencing fee of about $250 may also be required.
• Driver responsibility fees could reach up to $2,500.

3. Bail and Bond Fees

• Bond for a DUI arrest is typically set between $1,000 and $5,000. If you post bail yourself, the court will return that money (minus any fees and costs) once your case ends as long as you never violate your bail conditions.
• If you hire a bail bondsman to post bail for you, they typically charge a non-refundable fee of 15% of your bail amount. Then if you ever violate your bail conditions (causing the court to forfeit your bail), then the bondsman can go after you for collateral.
• Jail booking fees range from $50 to $200.

4. Probation Costs

• Monthly probation supervision costs add up to around $1,200 over the course of a year, unless a reduction is granted based on financial hardship.

5. Alcohol Education and Treatment Programs

• Court-mandated alcohol education programs range from $150 to $2,000, depending on the length and intensity.
• Outpatient alcohol treatment programs cost around $5,000, while inpatient rehab can reach $15,000.

6. Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Costs

• IID installation fees range from $50 to $200 (per vehicle).
• Monthly maintenance and leasing fees cost $50 to $150 (per vehicle).
• Removal fees once the device is no longer required range from $50 to $150 (per vehicle).

7. Increased Insurance Premiums

• A DUI conviction can cause a 69% increase in auto insurance rates. Therefore if you pay $1,000 a year on car insurance, your new rate would likely be $1,690.
• In addition, you may need to maintain SR22 insurance (“proof of financial responsibility”) for three years as a condition of getting your license back. Cost vary, but this could be $100 to $200 per month plus an initial fee of $25 to $50.
  

8. Car Towing and Impoundment Fees

• The cost of towing your car from the site of your arrest to the impoundment lot typically ranges from $150 to $300.
• Impoundment storage fees can be $50 to $100 per day.

9. License Reinstatement Fees

• After a suspension for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you must pay a $95 license reinstatement fee to the Colorado DMV to get your driving privileges back.

10. Lost Wages and Productivity

• DUI cases often require multiple court appearances, community service (“public service”), and alcohol education programs, all of which may require time off work, resulting in lost wages or even job loss.
• If you are a commercial driver, the loss of your license could cost you your entire livelihood.

11. Restitution Costs

• If your DUI resulted in an accident causing property damage or injury, you may have to pay thousands of dollars in restitution fees to compensate the victims.

12. Personal Injury Lawsuit Damages

• If your DUI caused an accident, the victim can sue you for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, property repairs, and even pain and suffering. Your insurance should cover this up to your policy limits; after that, the victim can sue you personally for the difference.

13. Impact on Professional Licenses

• If you hold a professional license (for example, medical, legal, teaching, or real estate), a DUI conviction could lead to mandatory treatment programs, disciplinary action, or even loss of your license and therefore your job.

14. Transportation Costs

• If your license is suspended, you may need to rely on rideshares, taxis, or public transportation, adding significant ongoing costs. Your sense of independence is also diminished by not being allowed to drive.
• If your passport is seized as a condition of bail (which is rare), you lose your freedom to leave the U.S. during the case; so if you had travel plans paid for, you may have to eat those costs.

15. Indirect Costs

• If the costs of your DUI push you into debt, your debt-to-income ratio may become less favorable. This may lower your credit score and make it harder to secure financing such as a mortgage or car loan. It could even prevent you from getting a lease.
• Drunk driving and drugged driving carry a social stigma that could put a strain on your relationships, mar your reputation, and cost you employment opportunities, which are invaluable.
• The stress of a court case can also damage your mental health, which may lead to therapist fees and medication costs.

Questions to Ask During the Initial Consultation

When consulting with a Denver DUI attorney on your case, consider asking them the following questions:

1. How many DUI cases have you handled, and how many trials have you done?
2. How big is your legal team?
3. Have you been given any awards or recognition for your work?
4. Do you or your associates have past experience as prosecutors or policemen?
5. Do you have a private investigator on staff?

Also be sure to read online reviews on Google and Yelp.

Again, the key is to go with the attorney you are at ease talking to you and who you trust will do a thorough job with your case. A good lawyer lets you “outsource your worry” to them so you can go about your life confident that you are getting the best defense possible.

The Value of Hiring an Experienced DUI Lawyer

While hiring a DUI/DWAI attorney in Denver may seem costly, the potential consequences of not having strong legal representation can be far worse. A skilled DUI lawyer can:

• Fight to reduce or dismiss charges,
• Negotiate for alternative sentencing options,
• Challenge evidence and procedures used in your arrest, and
• Represent you at trial if needed.

I know from experience that prosecutors are far more likely to extend favorable plea deals to defendants who have private counsel than those who represent themselves or who rely on a public defender.

Furthermore, DUIs can never be sealed from your criminal record, which means one conviction can haunt you for the rest of your life.

By hiring experienced legal counsel in Denver, you maximize the odds of getting a favorable resolution with minimum long-term ramifications. In short, your best shot at beating a DUI is by arming yourself with a lawyer.

Additional Resources

• Colorado Drunk Driving Laws – Detailed explanation by Colorado’s Office of Legislative Legal Services.
• The DUI Process – Step-by-step overview by the Colorado DMV.
• Impaired Driving – Safety video by the Colorado Department of Transportation.
• MADD Colorado – Organization devoted to ending DUI, including by presenting victim impact panels.
• Colorado AA – A 12-step program for overcoming alcoholism.