Reader’s Question:

I have been charged with DUI here in Los Angeles, California. I’m so concerned about the financial consequences that I might have. I just want to know, what do DUI lawyers charge and will my insurance rate go up?

Martina

Los Angeles, CA

Most people charged with DUI in Los Angeles, California would be concerned about the possible penalties including fines, lawyer charges and insurance rates. The fees for DUI lawyers actually vary. There are a lot of factors to consider like the seriousness of the charge and the number of DUI offenses the defendant has committed. There are some DUI lawyers who charge as little as $350. Most good Los Angeles DUI lawyers charge a minimum of $1000 because of the amount of time involved in reviewing the case and making sure you get the right result and also because of the risk of having to go back multiple times.

Regarding your insurance rates, it would most likely go up. A DUI conviction is reported on your driving record. Your rates will almost certainly go up if your insurance company finds out. In some cases, your insurance company might drop you as a customer and you may have to enter the assigned risk pool, where rates are dramatically higher. It can also be possible that your insurance company would not find out about your DUI charge, and then your rates should not go up.