Cost is usually the second question people ask after a DUI arrest, right after “what happens to me now.” It’s a fair question, and the honest answer is that it depends on specifics worth understanding before you start calling firms — not a single number that applies to everyone.

What Drives the Price

Offense number matters most. A first offense with no accident and a straightforward breath test is priced differently than a second or third offense, which carries mandatory minimums and more prosecutorial scrutiny under Maryland law.

Case complexity matters nearly as much. A refusal, an accident, an injury, or a minor passenger in the vehicle all add legal complexity and attorney time beyond a standard case.

Trial versus negotiated resolution changes the number significantly. Most DUI cases resolve through negotiation, which is priced differently (and usually far less expensively) than a case that goes to trial.

Billing structure varies by firm. Some attorneys charge a flat fee covering the case through a defined point; others bill hourly, typically somewhere in the range of $100–$500 per hour depending on experience and location. Ask directly which model a firm uses and exactly what it covers this single question does more to prevent surprise bills than anything else.

What a Typical Itemized Quote Actually Looks Like

Rather than a single number, here’s what a realistic breakdown for a first-offense Maryland DUI case, resolved through negotiation rather than trial, commonly includes:

If the case goes to trial instead, expect the attorney fee alone to run substantially higher often several thousand dollars more because of the preparation and court time involved. Cases with a prior offense, an accident, or injuries typically run higher across every line item above.

Public Defender vs. Private Attorney

If cost is a serious barrier, a public defender is a real, licensed option — cost isn’t zero, but income-based eligibility can make it far more accessible than private representation. The practical trade-off is caseload: public defenders often manage a high volume of cases at once, which can mean less time dedicated to the specifics of any single case compared to a private attorney with a lighter docket. For a straightforward, low-stakes first offense, that trade-off may not matter much. For a case involving a refusal, an accident, or a prior conviction, the additional attention a private attorney can give often matters more.

Is It Worth the Cost?

Usually, yes — though not automatically. A skilled DUI defense attorney can meaningfully affect the outcome: negotiating a reduced charge, securing Probation Before Judgment to keep a conviction off your record, or identifying a problem with the stop or the testing that weakens the state’s case. Weigh the attorney’s fee against what’s actually at stake the cost of a conviction shows up again later in higher insurance premiums, potential job impact, and in some cases immigration consequences, often for years after the case itself is closed.

What to Ask Before You Hire

Before committing to a fee, ask directly:

• Does this quote include MVA hearing representation, or is that billed separately?
• What happens to the fee if the case goes to trial instead of resolving through negotiation?
• Are court costs and administrative fees included, or added on top?
• Is a payment plan available?

A firm that answers these clearly and specifically is a better sign than one offering the lowest number without detail.

Talk to a Maryland DUI Attorney About Your Specific Case

Every case is different, and the only way to get an actual number rather than a range is a consultation where an attorney reviews your specific charge, jurisdiction, and history. Our Maryland DUI defense attorneys offer a free consultation to walk you through what your case will likely involve and what it will realistically cost.

If you want to understand what happens procedurally after an arrest separate from the cost question see our guide to the DUI legal process in Maryland. For a full breakdown of potential penalties by offense number, see our guide to Maryland DUI penalties. And if you’re located near one of our offices, our attorneys also handle cases in Rockville, Bethesda, and Prince George’s County.

About the Author

Richard A. Finci has practiced criminal and traffic law in Maryland since 1984. He is a former President of the Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney Association and former Chair of the Criminal Law Section of the Maryland State Bar Association. Rick has been selected to the Super Lawyers® list for Maryland and the District of Columbia. View full attorney profile →