How Much Does a DWI Lawyer Cost in Austin?

Typical Austin DWI Attorney Fee Ranges

DWI defense fees in Austin typically range from $3,500 to $8,000 for a first-offense case including ALR hearing representation. High-BAC charges, cases with child passengers, repeat offenses, or cases requiring suppression hearings typically run $7,500 to $15,000. Felony DWI cases — third offense, intoxication assault — range from $10,000 to $25,000 or more depending on complexity. These ranges reflect Austin market rates. The Hull Firm offers payment plans and free initial consultations.

What the Fee Covers

A properly structured DWI defense fee should cover the complete defense process: the 15-day ALR hearing request and the hearing itself, dashcam and bodycam footage requests, Intoxilyzer 9000 maintenance records through open records, the complete defense file review, suppression motion preparation and hearing (if applicable), and case resolution through plea or trial. Ask any attorney you consult what their fee includes and specifically whether the ALR hearing is included.

The Real Cost Calculation

The cost of an experienced Austin DWI attorney should be compared against the full cost of a conviction — not the cost of no representation:

• Texas DPS surcharges: $1,000–$2,000 per year for 3 years ($3,000–$6,000)
• SR-22 insurance increase: thousands of dollars over 3+ years
• Criminal fine: up to $2,000 (Class B) or $4,000 (Class A)
• Ignition interlock device installation and monitoring
• Employment consequences: CDL loss, professional licensing review, background check impact
• Permanent record: no sealing, no expungement after conviction

The cost of experienced representation on a first DWI is almost always less than the total financial cost of a conviction — before counting the non-financial consequences.

Why Experience Matters to Cost

Higher fees for experienced Austin DWI attorneys reflect a difference in outcomes, not overhead. The Hull Firm has secured Over 930 dismissals or rejected cases since 2021 across Travis, Williamson, and Hays County courts, with attorneys who have spent over 20 years in these specific courtrooms — including Allison Tisdale, a former Travis County DWI prosecutor who knows how the state builds and weakens its own cases. That depth of experience with these specific judges, prosecutors, and technical DWI challenges (Intoxilyzer 9000 calibration, SFST administration, blood draw procedure) is what produces different case results. Call 512-599-9999 for a free case evaluation and fee discussion.