Price Transparency
How Much Does a DUI or Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost at DeChant Law?
Most of our cases are handled for a flat fee, set in writing before you hire us. Below are our standard ranges, what they cover, and what they don’t.
Transparency is one of our core values. You should know the cost before you decide.
DUI / DWAI
From $6,000
Misdemeanors
$4,500–$7,500
Class 5–6 felonies
$7,500–$10,000
Estimates only. Your written agreement sets the fee.
Standard Fee Ranges
Fees depend on the charge, your history, the jurisdiction, the court and other variables. No one case is the same. The below figures are to give you an idea of what to expect. Every case is different and we encourage you to reach out for a free consultation so we can give you an exact figure for your case.
DUI and DWAI
| Case | Flat fee |
|---|---|
| DMV express consent hearing (your driver’s license hearing) | $1,500 |
| Misdemeanor DUI or DWAI (first, second or third offense) | From $6,000 |
| Felony DUI (fourth offense or more) | From $12,500 |
| Vehicular assault | From $15,000 |
| Vehicular homicide | From $30,000 |
Misdemeanors and Traffic
| Case | Flat fee |
|---|---|
| Traffic offenses | From $4,500 |
| Careless driving causing serious bodily injury or death | From $7,500 |
| Misdemeanors, including domestic violence | $4,500 to $7,500 |
Felonies
| Case | Flat fee |
|---|---|
| Class 5 and 6 felonies | $7,500 to $10,000 |
| Class 4 felonies | $12,500 to $15,000 |
| Class 3 felonies | From $20,000 |
| Drug felonies | From $7,000 |
Appeals and Post-Conviction
| Case | Fee |
|---|---|
| DMV revocation appeal to district court | $6,000 |
| Direct appeal of a conviction | From $7,500 |
| Crim. P. 35(c) ineffective assistance claim | Quoted individually |
Flat Fee or Hourly: How Criminal Defense Firms Charge
Flat fee (most cases)
A flat fee is one set price for clearly defined stages of your case, agreed in writing up front. You won’t get a bill every time you call with a question. We prefer this model whenever the case allows it, because you know what the representation costs before you commit, you can get help as often as you need, and we can spend as much time as necessary on the case without overbilling.
Hourly (some post-conviction work)
A few matters, like a Crim. P. 35(c) claim of ineffective assistance of counsel, don’t have a predictable scope. We quote those individually, and are billed hourly against a retainer. Either way, you’ll know how the fee works before you sign anything.
What the Flat Fee Covers
Your flat fee covers your case through the pre-trial stages, including:
- Getting into the case: entering our appearance and the initial research
- Reviewing the evidence: police reports, body camera video and everything else the state turns over as well as collecting our own evidence to review
- Court appearances
- Meetings with you, and our advice at each decision point
- Mitigation: building your story for the prosecutor and the judge
- Negotiations with the prosecution
- Plea, dismissal and sentencing paperwork
Your written fee agreement spells out exactly what’s included and how the fee is earned as the case moves.
What Is Not Included
Your fee pays for your legal representation. It doesn’t include court fines, surcharges, probation fees, classes, or the costs of experts or transcripts when a case needs them. We’ll tell you about any of these up front.
What Happens If Your Case Goes to Trial
We’re built for the courtroom, and we prepare every case for trial from day one. Most cases resolve before trial, and whether yours goes to trial is always your decision.
If your case does go to trial, trial is quoted separately from the flat fee. We’ll give you that quote in writing before any trial work begins, based on the charges, the expected length of the trial and what the case needs. You’ll never be charged for trial without agreeing to it first. We try to avoid quoting this up front because every case is different and once we are under the hood, we can provide you with an accurate estimate. Ultimately you are the one who decides if your case is proceeding to trial or not. Most cases do not proceed to trial.
What’s at Stake Beyond the Fee
The fee is the number you see first. A criminal case can carry costs that last much longer:
- Court fines, surcharges and probation fees
- A criminal record that can follow you into job applications and housing
- Higher auto insurance premiums
- Consequences for professional licenses
No lawyer can guarantee an outcome. What your investment buys at DeChant Law is a dedicated team that turns over every stone, challenges the state’s evidence, and explains the good, the bad and the difficult so you can make informed decisions. You’re part of the team, with consistent communication and clear options at every step.
Why We Publish Our Fees
You shouldn’t have to call just to hear a number. Transparency is one of our core values, so we tell you what representation costs before you decide.
Pricing Questions
What exactly does the flat fee cover?
Your case through the pre-trial stages: reviewing the evidence, court appearances, meetings and advice, mitigation, negotiations with the prosecution, and plea, dismissal or sentencing paperwork. Your written agreement lists exactly what’s included. There is no time limit or additional cost if it takes multiple court appearances to resolve a case.
What if my case goes to trial?
Trial is quoted separately, in writing, before any trial work begins. We prepare every case for trial from day one, and whether to go to trial is always your decision. We will discuss this with you once we review the discovery in your case.
Is the consultation free?
Yes. Your first consultation is with one of our intake specialists, and it’s free. We’ll listen, explain how the process works, and tell you what your case would cost before you commit to anything.
Do you offer payment plans?
Payment plans are available for many, but not all, case types. We accept credit cards and don’t add a card fee. We’ll go over your options during your free consultation. Ultimately we want you to get access to the team you deserve and not go with the cheapest firm, because you get what you pay for in this industry.
Why do fees vary?
The charge, your prior history, the court, the jurisdiction, and how complex the evidence is all affect how much work a case takes. Your exact fee is set in writing before you hire us.
Why hire a private lawyer instead of a public defender?
Public defenders are licensed, capable attorneys, and many carry heavy caseloads. Hiring a private lawyer means you choose who represents you, and you get a team with the time to learn your story, build your case and stay in regular contact with you.
Do your fees include court fines or costs?
No. Your fee covers your representation. Fines, surcharges, probation fees, and costs like transcripts or experts are separate, and we’ll tell you what we anticipate up front.
Request Your Free Consultation
These ranges are a starting point. The only way to know the exact fee for your situation is to talk with us. Call us at 303-409-7500 today.
Fee ranges are estimates meant to provide information to you to help guide you through this process, not firm quotes. Your fee is set in a written agreement after consultation. No fee guarantees any particular result, but it does guarantee we will do everything we can to help you obtain the best possible outcome for you and your case.