Free DUI Lawyer Jacksonville Florida

Reader’s Question:

My cousin was charged with DUI here in Jacksonville, Florida and he worries too much about the money he’d likely have to spend at the course of his trial. How much does bail usually amounts to and how much would be the court costs and probation?

Eden

Jacksonville, FL

The cost of DUI varies greatly and it would not be the same for everyone, but honestly, it would cost a lot if someone would be convicted for DUI. The bail amount on your cousin’s DUI charge in Jacksonville, Florida would also greatly vary, depending on several factors. A handful of very lucky people get personal recognizance bonds, which cost nothing but the promise to appear in court. But most individuals should pay between $50 and $500 to be released. The court costs would be between $160 and $300 and that excludes any subpoena fees. Also, if a videotape was used, there would be $15 more that is assessed.

Probation fees would depend upon the length of probation. $25-$40 per month would be the statutory range for such fees, so if the probation would be for two years, it could cost as much as $960. The maximum monthly fee for probation is $60 per month so that means if the probation is for two years, the total cost would be $1,440. Regular conditions of probation also include the completion of a DUI education program and this usually costs $50-$125.

Finally, before you go meet your Florida DUI attorney, you need to know what you’re going to say to her. You’ll need some guidance to take you through a probably tense meeting, especially if this is your first time ever meeting with a lawyer. Be prepared. It could be dangerous.

Just start thinking ahead of time what kinds of questions you want to ask your Florida DUI attorney. Here’s a possible list you could use.

• What is the percentage of the cases that you accept and handle which are related in a big way to Florida DUI law? You should specify Florida. If an attorney has handled a lot of DUI cases, but they were in another state, then it might not be helpful.
• What are the costs and how do you charge? Lawyers have different methods of charging. Some will charge you one set amount for the whole thing, others will charge you a set amount for the preparation, and then if you end up in court, another one, while still others charge by the hour.
• Is there anything else I’ll have to pay for? Sometimes lawyers may charge you for filing fees, among other things.
• Are you going to be my Florida DUI attorney, or will another attorney in your firm be assigned to my case? Remember, you don’t want to get all comfortable with the personality and experience of one attorney only to find out you’re being shoved off on a partner.