How Much Does a DWI Lawyer Cost in Austin?

What Affects the Cost of an Austin DWI Attorney

DWI attorney fees in Austin vary substantially depending on the charge level, evidence, motions, experts, trial preparation, and scope of representation. A first-offense Class B DWI is generally a different matter from a high-BAC case, a case with a child passenger, a repeat offense, or a felony intoxication charge. The Hull Firm provides a case-specific fee quote after reviewing the circumstances, and offers free initial consultations and payment plans.

Factors that commonly affect the fee include:

• Charge level: Class B, Class A, or felony DWI
• Complexity: accidents, injuries, child passengers, prior history, or commercial license issues
• Evidence review: video, breath or blood records, and laboratory documentation
• Motions: whether suppression or other motions are filed and heard
• Experts: whether toxicology or other expert review is needed
• Trial preparation: whether the case proceeds toward trial

What the Fee Covers

When comparing attorneys, ask what the fee includes. Depending on the engagement, a DWI defense fee may cover the ALR hearing request and the hearing itself, requests for dashcam and bodycam footage, Intoxilyzer 9000 maintenance records, review of the defense file, motion preparation and hearings if applicable, and resolution through negotiation or trial. Ask specifically whether the ALR proceeding is included.

Other Costs a DWI Can Involve

The financial impact of a DWI can extend beyond attorney fees and may include:

• Fines and court costs: up to $2,000 for a Class B or $4,000 for a Class A misdemeanor
• Driver's license consequences and reinstatement fees
• Insurance changes, including SR-22 requirements in some cases
• Ignition-interlock installation and monitoring, where required
• Education or treatment requirements
• Employment or professional licensing consequences in some fields

The record effect depends on the disposition. Some qualifying DWI cases may be eligible for deferred adjudication, and some qualifying dispositions may be eligible for nondisclosure.

Why Experience Matters

Attorney fees can vary based on experience, case complexity, charge level, evidence review, motion practice, expert needs, and whether the case proceeds to trial. Relevant experience can help an attorney identify legal, factual, scientific, and procedural issues that should be evaluated in a DWI case, including Intoxilyzer 9000 records, SFST administration, and blood draw procedures. Mark Hull has more than 20 years of Texas criminal defense experience, and Allison Tisdale is a former Travis County DWI prosecutor. Since 2021, The Hull Firm has secured over 960 dismissals or rejected cases. Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome. Call 512-599-9999 for a free case evaluation and fee discussion.