If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) for the first time, you’re probably asking one of the most common questions: How much will a DUI lawyer cost me? In Southern Maryland, hiring an experienced DUI defense attorney is an investment in your future—and the price can vary depending on a few key factors.
Understanding the Cost of a First Offense DUI Lawyer
For most first-time DUI cases in Maryland, lawyers charge a flat fee rather than hourly billing. On average, you can expect to pay between $2,500 and $5,000 for legal representation. That range depends on several factors:
- The lawyer’s experience and reputation
- Whether your case goes to trial or resolves early
- If the attorney includes the MVA hearing in the fee
- The complexity of your case, such as a high blood alcohol content (BAC) or a refusal to submit to testing
In Southern Maryland—including Prince George’s County, Charles County, St. Mary’s County, and Calvert County—most reputable DUI attorneys fall in the $2,500 to $5,000 range for a first offense. Attorneys with prior prosecutorial experience or specialized DUI training may charge more, but they often bring added value to your defense.
What’s Included in the Fee?
When you hire a DUI lawyer for a first offense, the flat fee usually covers:
- Review of the arrest and police reports
- Communication with the prosecutor’s office
- Representation at your initial court hearings
- Negotiation for a reduced charge or Probation Before Judgment (PBJ)
- Assistance with the MVA hearing to fight license suspension
- Preparation for trial, if needed
Make sure to ask whether the attorney includes both the MVA administrative hearing and court appearances in their quoted fee. Some firms break those out as separate costs.
Is a DUI Lawyer Worth the Cost?
Absolutely. A DUI conviction can have serious long-term consequences. Even for a first-time offender, you could be facing:
- Up to 1 year in jail
- $1,000 in fines
- A 45-day or longer license suspension
- 12 points on your driving record
- A permanent criminal conviction
- Mandatory ignition interlock device installation
An experienced Southern Maryland criminal lawyer can fight to protect your license, minimize fines, and avoid jail time. In many cases, your attorney may be able to secure a PBJ, which avoids a conviction and the points that come with it.
Factors That May Increase Cost
Certain circumstances can raise the cost of DUI representation:
- Accidents or injuries at the time of arrest
- Child passengers in the vehicle
- Very high BAC readings (0.15 or above)
- Prior alcohol-related incidents, even if not DUI convictions
- Refusal to take a breathalyzer test
These elements can trigger harsher penalties and require more preparation, which may result in higher legal fees.
Why Local Experience Matters
Hiring a lawyer familiar with the local court system can make a major difference. Every courthouse—from La Plata to Leonardtown to Prince Frederick—has its own judges, prosecutors, and courtroom customs. A lawyer who practices regularly in these jurisdictions will know how to navigate the system effectively, increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.
Charged with a DUI in Southern Maryland?
Don’t face it alone. At Southern Maryland Criminal Defense, we represent first-time offenders throughout Prince George’s, Charles, St. Mary’s, and Calvert Counties. Our goal is to protect your record, your license, and your future.
👉 Schedule a free consultation today to speak with an experienced DUI attorney.
