Should you hire a cheap DWI lawyer?
That depends on what you mean by cheap. If your only criteria is price you can definitely find a cheap DWI lawyer in Houston. Call around and you will likely find a wide range of pricing on legal fees. The problem with that strategy is that going cheap does not necessarily mean getting value. DWI is an area of criminal defense that requires specialized knowledge. If you pay $1500 to have someone represent you and if that lawyer doesn’t investigate your case properly, has no intention of trying your case, isn’t versed in current DWI law and generally has no experience handling DWI cases, it’s not a value at all.
On the other hand, if your lawyer is priced competitively but has tried DWI cases to a jury verdict, has had success getting dismissals, will properly handle your ALR hearing to save your license for you and has experience handling DWIs all over the Houston area, then a competitively priced lawyer is a good value.
Hiring a cheap DWI lawyer may be an attractive option to someone with limited means. But losing your DWI case will be far more expensive than just the money you pay your lawyer. DPS surcharges, court costs, interlock fees, probation fees, and fines mean you could end paying $10000 if you lose your case. A DWI conviction on your record will show up in a background check when applying for a job or trying to rent an apartment. If you have one DWI you will be ineligible for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) for one year. Two or more DWI convictions mean you will be ineligible to obtain a CDL permanently.
Things just get worse if you are convicted a second or a third time. A second DWI means a minimum three days in jail with higher possible fines and a third DWI is a felony.
So when you are considering hiring a cheap DWI lawyer in Houston, ask yourself if you are really saving money or possibly costing yourself even more time and money by going cheap. We offer competitively priced DWI representation and offer a good value, but we are not cheap.