Fee guides
Criminal & DUI Lawyer Fee Guides
What criminal defense lawyers charge for DUI and DWI, misdemeanors, felonies, traffic tickets, expungement and more. Criminal lawyers usually charge flat fees or hourly rates; contingency fees are not allowed in criminal cases. If you can't afford a lawyer, you may have the right to a public defender.
Fee snapshot: main guides
Headline figures from each main guide (national data as of October 10, 2026). Open a guide for the full breakdown, state differences and what to ask in your fee agreement.
| Guide | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| DUI Lawyer Cost | $1,500–$4,000 flat fee |
| How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost? | $2,000–$25,000+ |
| Traffic Lawyer Cost | $100–$500 flat fee |
All guides in this category
New to legal fees? Read how much a lawyer costs and how contingency fees work. See all categories in our lawyer fee guides.
How we research feesEvery range is built from dated, cited sources. Fees vary by state, court, lawyer and case — always ask for a written fee agreement and compare quotes. This site gives general information, not legal advice. Read our methodology