How Much Does an OVI Lawyer Cost?

If you were arrested for OVI, you might be wondering how much it costs to hire a Madison County, OH OVI attorney. Whether you’re a first-time offender or you’ve been arrested for OVI multiple times, an attorney can help protect your rights and defend you in court. Drivers who obtain legal counsel always fare far better than drivers who try to represent themselves.

If you’re thinking about hiring a Madison County, OH OVI lawyer, it’s only natural to want to know how much it would cost. While the cost of hiring an OVI lawyer varies from one case to another, there are various factors to consider when estimating your legal expenses.

Rates for OVI attorneys are competitive. OVI attorneys charge either a flat fee or hourly fee. If your lawyer charges an hourly fee and your case is resolved pretty quickly, you’ll likely end up paying a lot less for legal services than you would if you paid a flat fee. On the other hand, if your case takes a lot longer than you anticipated, you could end up paying much more if you pay your attorney by the hour.

Calculating Legal Expenses for an OVI Case

When you’re shopping around for an attorney and talking with different attorneys, ask them if they are willing to be flexible about their fees. To calculate approximately how much you’ll pay a Madison County, OH OVI attorney, consider factors like the lawyer’s billing method, his or her rate, how long it would take to resolve your case, and legal expenses outside of your attorney’s fees. Additional legal expenses that you might have to pay include travel expenses, paralegal fees, fees for an expert witness, and photocopying. 

Generally speaking, the more experienced an attorney, the more costly it will be. While this could lead to a bigger bill in the end, it could also mean that you’ll pay less overall because knowledgeable and experienced lawyers tend to use their time more efficiently.

If you pay a Madison County, OH OVI lawyer on an hourly basis, you’ll likely be asked to pay a retainer fee, which is like a down payment. You’ll receive monthly statements from your attorney after that and be required to pay them off promptly. A lawyer’s hourly fee will depend on factors like the lawyer’s experience level and overhead costs. The severity of your offense and the complexity of your case will also affect your legal fees. If you pay an hourly fee for an attorney, you’ll be charged for any phone calls, emails, or other contact you have with the lawyer.

Get a Written Estimate of Your Expenses

Prior to hiring a Madison County, OH OVI attorney and signing on the dotted line, it’s important to get a written estimate of your expenses. An itemized estimate will detail all of the services being provided and the proceedings included. Bear in mind that you may incur additional expenses for third-party services.

Considering all of the fines and penalties associated with an OVI conviction, hiring an attorney to represent you is well worth the price. An attorney just might be the best investment you’ll ever make. For a free evaluation of your case, contact Maher Law Firm today. Based in Columbus, Maher Law Firm serves clients in Madison County, OH and throughout Central Ohio.