When you find yourself facing charges of Driving Under the Influence (DUI), the cost of legal representation is a major financial concern.
Unlike other expenses such as cash bonds or expert witnesses, attorneys’ fees are often the most significant financial consideration for the accused. In this article, we’ll shed light on how attorneys’ fees work in a DUI case and the various stages involved in the payment process.
Types of Attorneys’ Fees
In criminal defense, contingent fees, where attorneys get paid only if they win the case, are not a viable option. Therefore, individuals charged with DUI need to carefully evaluate their financial capabilities when deciding which attorney to hire. Attorneys’ fees in criminal cases are typically structured in one of two ways: hourly rates or a set sum based on the extent of the work performed. The latter option, known as a flat fee or fixed fee, is the most common choice.
Understanding the Flat Fee Structure
The flat fee structure offers several advantages for both clients and attorneys. It eliminates the need for meticulous tracking of hours spent on the case, which can be a complex and time-consuming task. More importantly, it provides clients with a clear understanding of the amount due based on the extent of legal work required.
Breaking Down the Three Crucial Stages
At Castellanos Law Group, our approach to attorneys’ fees involves breaking down a DUI case into three essential stages, ensuring transparency and fairness for our clients.
- Investigation Stage: At the outset, a specific amount is set for the investigation phase. This includes tasks such as making discovery demands, reviewing police and lab reports, and examining videos of the arrest. In recent times, reviewing arrest videos has become one of the most time-consuming aspects of the case, aside from the actual trial.
- Analysis and Advice Stage: Once the investigation is complete, we move on to the second stage, where we provide clients with a thorough analysis of their case. We offer an expert opinion on the client’s best course of action. If the client decides to proceed with contested pre-trial procedures, such as filing pre-trial motions, an additional set fee is determined for that service.
- Trial Stage: The third and final stage involves going to trial, should the client opt for it after the completion of pre-trial motions. In this case, an additional payment is established for the trial representation. It’s important to note that clients are not required to pay for services that were not rendered. The payment arrangement is designed to be fair and transparent, ensuring that both the attorney and the client are satisfied.
Understanding attorneys’ fees in a DUI case is essential for anyone facing such charges. The flat fee structure employed by Castellanos Law Group offers transparency, fairness, and predictability for clients. By breaking down the case into three distinct stages, clients can make informed decisions about their legal representation without worrying about hidden costs. It’s crucial to choose an attorney who not only provides skilled legal defense but also offers a clear and fair fee structure that aligns with your financial capabilities.
We are available to meet you at our main location or other areas in the region. Call us at (770) 841-4180. It is important to have a criminal defense DUI attorney on your side who will fight to protect your rights.
Read also:
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- Insights into the Practical Aspects of Dealing with Georgia’s DUI Laws - September 29, 2024
- The Crucial Advantage of Hiring a Local Attorney - July 1, 2024