Will an attorney be able to reduce the fees of a drunk driving offense? 50 Answers as of February 29, 2012

In Oregon where I practice, DUII convictions carry statutory "mandatory minimum" fines, but judges usually have discretion to suspend portions of the fine and other fees that the courts charge people who are convicted of crimes. I typically have fairly detailed information about my client's income and what they can afford to pay and often urge the judge to suspend a portion of the fine as an incentive if my client successfully completes alcohol treatment in a timely fashion.

No, not the fees but possibly the penalties involved with a DUI conviction including fines and possibly jail time.

An attorney can negotiate the fine in your case along side the other terms and conditions of your sentence. However, there are some associated fees when you go to court that are not negotiable and will be added in addition to any fines you are ordered to pay.

We handle these types of cases. If you have additional questions or concerns you are welcome to contact us- we do not charge for consultations. Good Luck!

An attorney sometimes can help in reducing some of the fees/fines associated with any criminal convictions or plea bargains. We can do this by asking the Judge to reducing the fees but we need a good reason to reduce the fees. For example low income of the defendant. Certain fees can't be reduced due to the fact that some fees are mandated by the state and the Judge can not reduce or eliminate them. Attorneys who are familiar with the court and the Judges have a better chance of reducing fees than attorneys from outside the jurisdiction. Feel free to contact me with any other questions at my number below.

I cannot answer this question with the information provided. If you are asking whether an attorney can obtain a reduced fine, there are certain mandatory fines which the court must impose for a conviction of driving under the influence. However, indigent persons can apply to have the fine waived; in some cases the court would impose community service instead. If a person is not found to be indigent, but does not pay their fine, they can be required to serve additional jail time in lieu of the fine.

Reductions of such charges should be the considered the exception rather than the rule. There are many variables that put a particular case in the posture to receive the consideration of a reduction. It usually relates more to some evidentiary issue developed, recognized and presented to the prosecutor involved in the case. Few cases are reduced just because an attorney asks for one. Moreover, unfortunately may unscrupulous attorneys imply the ready availability of such a result because that it what clients want to hear. Those lawyers who are superb at what they do find recognition far beyond the Yellow Pages. What other lawyers, judges and former clients have to say about the effectiveness of any particular attorney is what one needs in the selection of counsel. With regard to fees. forget it. Where charges are reduced, expect equal or even higher fees to be paid for the benefit received.

An attorney can reduce the fees on a DUI matter, but can never guarantee such an outcome. Fees can be reduced through a negotiated settlement for a variety of reasons, such as when a defendant agrees to complete volunteer service. The better the relationship with the DDA assigned to the case the better the chances of an agreeable settlement.

I am not sure whether your question involves fines that have been imposed after a conviction or fines that may be imposed pursuant to a plea agreement. I'm also not sure if you question involves the costs associated with court ordered treatment, an alcohol awareness course, or costs associated with alcohol monitoring or home arrest. Without more information, I can't fully answer your question.

While the costs of court are a set amount, judges often impose a fine which is at their discretion. They will sometimes take into account the argument of a defense attorney.
You can pay a $20.00 court charge to get more days to pay the bill of costs instead of having to pay it the final day of court. Yes, an attorney can often get the fees associated with the a DWI reduced.

Yes, an attorney can reduce the fees in drunk driving cases. When this is done, the attorney usually has to show a financial hardship. Reducing the fees is tough due to the political nature of a DUI and that most judges think that DUI fines are set by statute. The individual has to show the court an alternative to imposing the standard fines set within each county.
Overcoming this initial obstacle will only work with some judges.

Should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact my office at your earliest convenience.

An attorney cannot exactly "reduce" any fees for you. What he can do for you is to offer evidence to the court prior to or at the time that you decide to change your plea that may provide mitigating factors as to why a lower fine is reasonable or necessary in your case.

In many counties throughout California, the District Attorney has a standard offer that is given to criminal defendants including individuals who are facing their first DUI. Usually the offer consists of a fine, community service, the attendance of classes, and possibly attendance at AA meetingsor any combination of these. A skilled attorney may be able to negotiate a lower fine or a reduction in the maximum sentence for your first DUI offense. If this is not your second (or third etc.) offense, my suggestion is to retain an attorney at once. These cases can be prosecuted much more vigorously by the DA and may even qualify as a felony given the circumstances.

If they can lower the charge they can often reduce fines also.

There are mandatory minimum fines in DUI,which an attorney can notget reduced. If there are fines in excess of the mandatory minimum, then the attorney can negotiate afine.

Some fees are fixed and not waiverable, but generally an can effectively argue costs.

It is possible. It is done throgh negotiation.

Most fees in DUI cases are pretty standard. An attorney maybe able to get your case reduced from a DUI to another charge like a wet reckless, thereby reducing the fees and many times the punishment. I would highly suggest that prior to pleading guilty to a DUI you consult with an attorney.

First this response is general information only and does not establish an attorney client relationship. I think by fees you mean fines which are up to the judge within a range from a minimum fine to a maximum fine. i would need to know exactly what charges were filed against you to determine the range of fines and or any other penalties that could be imposed at sentencing ( such as jail, probation, community service etc ). However a defense attorney generally negotiates a plea bargain ( unless the defendant wants to go to trial ) with the prosecutor and if successful in reducing charges and/or the fines then it is taken to the judge who usually approves it if the prosecutor and the defense attorney are in agreement. However a judge still makes the decision and does not ave to approve the plea bargain that defense counsel and the prosecutor agreed upon. looking forward to hearing from you.

The court assesses fines and costs. Some judges will agree to assess less in certain situations. Additionally, by obtaining a reduced plea, fines can be less.

The fines can be reduced if the underlying charge is reduced or dismissed. In other words, if the attorney is able to have the DUI reduced to some form of reckless driving, speeding, or even a dismissal, the fines will fall/disappear accordingly.

An attorney will evaluate your case based upon all of the facts and the law to determine the strengths and weaknesses of your case. Then the attorney will make a recommendation to you regarding whether or not you should go to trial or try to negotiate a plea bargain. The prosecutor is much more willing to reduce charges when you have a strong defense, and an attorney knows how to present that strong defense.

The costs of a DUI are much greater than just the fines. Your insurance expenses will increase, your license will have points assessed against it, etc. It is well worth the cost of a defense attorney to protect and preserve your rights in this type of case.

Please contact my office for additional information.

In the State of Oregon, fines and fees for a DUII charge are set by the State Legislature and the Court is unable to reduce them.

A good experienced DUI attorney is very valuable. A seasoned DUI attorney will be able to spot discrepancies or potential problems in the police report that may greatly help in getting the charges reduced or dismissed. Only a trained eye and experienced DUI litigator will be able to accomplish this. Attorneys are usually good at plea bargaining the case down to a lesser offense which will reduce license points and potential costs and fines.

Experienced attorneys are able to spot weaknesses in the prosecutors case, which are defenses and use d to get a a better plea bargain, get charges reduced, and in good cases, get charges dismissed. Call me if you would like to discuss your specific case in more detail.

In PA the fines and costs for DUI cases are mandatory and cannot be waived or lowered by the judge even if the attorney asks for this at sentencing.

If you are referring to legal fees, attorneys set fees base on the nature of the case and time involved. Most lawyers try to work with clients on financial issues when they can.

First time DUI fees are pretty much the same. If you were a bit over the legal limit, ie. .09 an attorney might be able to get it reduced to a wet reckless but if not you really don't need an attorney as you will pay the same fines, DUI school, etc no matter what.

Depends on your financial situation and the judge, but it is possible to reduce some of the fees.

Some fees are governed by statute, thus not able to be changed. However, attorneys can help determine what level the DWI is based on aggravating and mitigating factors, if in fact you are convicted. Attorneys would first try to stop the conviction from occurring. Attorneys can also help by potentially getting you a limited driving privilege, if worst case scenario happens and your license is suspended due to the conviction.

In summary, it is worth it in the long run to get an attorney.

This depends what the blood alcohol level is and what the facts of the case are. If you have an attorney for a DUI, you have a better chance of a good outcome for yourself.

Fines and Penalties can sometimes be reduced in a Drunk Driving Case, especially if the attorney is able to have the charges against you reduced to a lesser offense. That being said, every situation is different and a wide range of contingencies can result on a case by case basis.If you or someone you know are arrested for DWI or DUI it is extremely important to hire an attorney to represent you. The potential penalties range from driver's license suspensions and fines to serious jail time. Additionally, the deadlines involved in a DWI or DUI case are extremely strict and approach very quickly: You only have 15 days from the date of your arrest to schedule an administrative hearing to fight your license being revoked.An experienced DWI and DUI attorney knows all of the deadlines and various factors that can affect your case. If you are seeking representation on DWI or DUI charges, please call our office to schedule a free consultation to discuss the details of your case.

On a Minnesota DWI , there is a great deal more at stake than fees. Jail time, fines, probationary requirements and license revocations.cancellations may occur. As a result, you would be wise to, at a minimum, consult with an attorney regarding your particular issue.

In Minnesota, if you had a Blood Alcohol Content under .20, and you have no prior DWI within the last 10 years, you were charged with a fourth degree offense. This is still serious and carries with it maximum criminal penalties of up to 90 days in jail and a $1000 fine. If convicted any subsequent DWI offense would be much more serious and with four offenses in ten years, you can be charged with a felony. As a result, as strong defense on the first alleged incident can be critical to your future. Different Judges give different sentences. Accordingly, understanding your Judge and knowing how to change Judge's can be an important part of the process.

There is also a civil case that results in the revocation of your driver's license. On a first offense over your lifetime, you may be revoked for 30 to 90 days. This is a separate case even though the challenges are largely the same. In order to challenge your license revocation, you must seek a judicial review by filing a petition within 30 days of the offense. Do not forget this critical time period. All too often people with strong defenses come to me too late to challenge the license revocation. The end result goes well beyond simply having your license revoked. A failure to challenge results in an Implied Consent violation on your record which can also affect employment and may be used to enhance any subsequent DWI offense.

There are many challenges to a DWI. Officers must follow very specific steps as part of the arrest. If any one step is missing, the case may be dismissed.

There are many ideas and strategies which I recommend that you discuss with your own criminal defense attorney. One example is that, in some, cases, you can get the state to reduce the charge. But you really need to retain your own criminal lawyer as soon as possible! Good luck!

Assuming a person is convicted of a DUI there are a variety of fees, assessments, fines and penalties that may be imposed by the court. Part of the work an attorney does, after trying to avoid any criminal conviction, and if working toward a plea agreement or in argument following a trial, is to try to make the conviction for the least possible crime. Once that is done, sentencing ensues. Some fines can be mandatory and thus the court must impose them and the attorney cannot usually stop them. Some are discretionary and some are a part of the plea agreement. An experienced attorney will seek to lower any fines and fees. Additionally, an attorney can seek, based on his argument and skill, to have some fines suspended and if the client remains conviction free following the sentencing the fines are never due.

Though the fees are usually standard, set and inflexible, there are occasions on which an Attorney can achieve a fee reduction. Sometimes, it has to do with negotiating a lower charge (and a correspondingly lower fine). Other times, different factors play a role. The Courts are generally less flexible about fines and fees than in the past. Some penalty fines can be worked off with time in custody.

That is what attorneys are hired for to negotiate plea bargains, with the threat of taking it to trial. You must have realistic expectations, and it is up to the attorney to make sure you do. If serious about hiring counsel, feel free to contact me. Ill be happy to help you use whatever defenses you may have.

Frankly the fees associated with the case should be the least of your worries. There is potential loss of drivers license, as well as probation, alcohol program, community service work and, depending on a number of things, possible jail time. You should at least consult with a lawyer, in my opinion.

Depends what you mean by fee. The fines that are imposed for DUI convictions are set by statute; however, a DUI lawyer may be able to negotiate your charge which could indirectly lead to less fines.

Some of the fees are negotiable but they are also the least of your worries ... or at least they should be the least of your worries.