Before scouting around for a DUI (driving under the influence) attorney, it is best to know some important points, especially when it comes to their professional fees.
Ask yourself: Are the fees explained in detail? Is there a written contract explaining the fees to be charged? You should know if the lawyer’s fee is simply on a retainer basis or if it is inclusive of all costs in the litigation process. Also determine whether the charges cover other incidental expenses such as license hearings, testimonies of experts, costs of subpoena, blood reanalysis and other expenses incurred during the course of the hearing.
The fees charged by a lawyer vary according to his experience and reputation, along with the state where he is practicing. As a general rule, the higher the skill and the larger the city, the higher the fees.
Another factor that affects DUI attorney fees is the amount of time the lawyer spends on the case. As a general rule, the good lawyers take on fewer clients and devote more time to studying their cases.
Lawyer’s fees go up when the offense is considered a felony, if the offender has prior convictions, if there are additional retrials or appeals, or if there are additional litigation costs of handling an administrative offense on license suspension.
Your attorney may either charge a fixed fee that covers everything or he can also ask for a retainer fee in advance, charged on an hourly basis. Other costs, such as fees of expert witnesses, independent blood analysis and fees on serving subpoenas, may translate to extra costs on your end.
Remember to ask for a written contract on the fees quoted and be sure to understand the details of the written agreement.
Keep these points in mind when you are scouting around for the best DUI lawyer your money can afford.
By: Jimmy Sturo
Posts Tagged ‘Attorney Fees’
California DUI Attorney Fees
December 25th, 2009Florida DUI Attorney Fees
December 8th, 2009
Violating DUI laws in Florida is a serious offense and must be taken really seriously. Penalties and consequences if you are convicted of violating the DUI law could include fines, loss of license, vehicle immobilization, community service, increase of insurance rate, and even imprisonment. Do not take this into passing. It is best to immediately consult with an attorney when you are arrested. You have ten days to make an appeal to prevent your license from being revoked indefinitely or permanently.
Range of fees
Are you reluctant to seek immediate legal help because you are afraid of the exorbitant fees? Do not worry. The fees are sometimes minimal, and just goes up depending on how severe your violation is. There fees range from as low as $500 dollars to thousands in cases of repeat offense.
Charging methods
Lawyers charge their clients differently. Some lawyers charge by the hour. Some will charge an initial fee to cover all the initial legal steps – reviewing the police report and the file from the district attorney and appearing on your first hearing. If, at that stage, charges are dropped against you, then that is where the fees end as well. Additional hearings would mean additional charges.
Other attorneys charge a fee to handle your case all the way to trial. If they are able to negotiate and dismiss the case, you pay them for everything, anyway.
Retainer fees
In some cases, DUI lawyers will require a retainer fee. This is an advanced flat rate fee that covers the lawyer’s services regardless of how long or short the lawyer spends on your case. Be informed of what the retainer fee covers. Usually, in special circumstances when there is little amount of service in proportion to the retainer fee, the attorney may be required to return a part of it.
Written agreement
Make sure that you have a written fee agreement with your attorney before services are rendered. You can get several quotations online or through the phone to assess if the attorney is charging you reasonably or within limit.
Extra fees
There are also extra fees for expert witnesses that would testify on scientific facts or issues that could help you in your case. Additional fees could also include costs for the exhibits, investigators, and so on.
By: Josh Riverside
Attorney Review Period in New Jersey Real Estate
November 20th, 2009
For any of you relocating from outside of NJ, you might be surprised by some of the real estate laws in NJ. Specifically, in New Jersey, after a “proposal” is accepted by the buyer and seller, the property moves into Attorney Review status. During this period of time, both the buyer and the seller can exit the deal with no harm to either.
While in Attorney review, the attorneys representing the respective buyer and seller will ensure that all terms are clearly understood and acceptable to both parties. It will usually last for 3 days.
Unlike many other states where the “proposal” is actually a sales contract and when all signatures are received, the deal is a legal and enforceable contract, the attorney review period in New Jersey was created to ensure that both the buyer and sellers’ interests where represented prior to a legally enforceable contract being created.
If you put in an offer on a house in NJ, and during the attorney review period you decide against the house, you get out of the “proposal” without any issues. Likewise, if you are a seller and decide not to take an offer (maybe a better one comes in), you have the same opportunity.
Some may consider this a benefit, others may not. One thing is for sure, it offers more time and security to both the buyer and seller.
New Jersey is not a Title state (a state where a title company can execute the closing of a real estate contract), both the seller and the buyer will need to obtain attorneys to represent them during the deal. Attorney fees are typically around $1000 in New Jersey. They can be more depending on the amount of time and negotiation required by the attorney.
Happy house hunting!
By: James Boyer