How Much Does DWI Defense Cost in Houston? Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Have the lawyer identify the case and the services covered by the proposed agreement. Ask whether the quote covers investigation, reviewing recordings and test results, court appearances, negotiations, and motions. Then ask how trial preparation and trial itself are handled. Do not assume that a quote for one stage covers every later stage.

The State Bar of Texas encourages prospective clients to ask about fees and the services included. Request a written agreement you can read before deciding. If a family member is paying, clarify who the client is and how payment arrangements affect communication; paying the bill should not leave the client uncertain about who makes case decisions.

Ask whether the proposed arrangement is a fixed fee, an hourly arrangement, or separate fees for identified stages. If it is hourly, ask about the rate, the initial deposit, billing records, and when additional funds may be requested. If it is fixed, ask what events would require another agreement.

Texas Rule 1.04 calls for communicating a new client's fee basis or rate, preferably in writing, and prohibits outcome-contingent fees for criminal defense. Ask the lawyer to explain any provision you do not understand before signing or paying. Keep a copy of the final agreement with your case records so you can refer to the same terms later.

DPS states that its Administrative License Revocation process is separate from the criminal DWI proceeding. Ask whether the proposed representation includes reviewing the suspension notice, requesting a hearing when available, and appearing at that hearing. Also ask whether any other driving-related proceeding would require a separate engagement.

Bring the notice to the consultation instead of postponing this discussion while shopping for quotes. DPS hearing-request periods can be short and vary with the notice process. Ask the attorney to identify the applicable deadline and explain who is responsible for acting. A price comparison is incomplete if one quote covers both matters and another covers only the criminal charge.

Request examples of expenses that might arise in your case, such as an investigator, a technical expert, records, or transcripts. Ask whether the estimate includes them, whether advance approval is required, and how they will be billed. These questions should be answered in relation to the work your case may need, rather than an assumption that every case needs every expense.

Keep attorney fees separate from bond payments, court-imposed amounts, monitoring charges, and any driving-related fees that might apply. Ask which costs are known now and which are only possibilities. If installments are proposed, clarify the dates, what happens if a payment is late, and the terms that govern unused funds if representation ends.

Use the same case information when requesting quotes and compare the written scope side by side. Ask who will review the evidence with you, who will attend court, and how you can raise a new concern. An inexpensive-looking quote may be difficult to evaluate if the work is undefined; a larger fee alone does not establish better representation.

The Law Office of Claudia Lopez, PLLC discusses representation with people facing Houston-area DWI allegations. Contact the firm to discuss the proposed work and the terms specific to your matter. The goal of the first conversation is to understand the case, the scope of representation, and the agreement before you commit.

• What work is included, and what work would require another fee?
• What expenses may be added, and how are they approved?
• How will I receive updates and discuss the evidence with my attorney?