DUI defense fees in San Francisco typically run $3,000 to $10,000+, depending on the case.
ASH Legal handles San Francisco DUI cases on a flat fee starting at $5,000 — one price, no hourly billing.
What Drives the Cost
DUI fees vary with complexity: whether it is a first offense or a repeat, whether there was an accident or injury, the strength of the chemical test, your prior record, and whether the case is likely to go to trial. A straightforward first offense costs less than a contested injury case.
What a Flat Fee Should Cover
A flat fee should cover the criminal case from arraignment through resolution — the arraignment, motions and test challenges, negotiation, and pre-trial appearances — for one price. Beware hourly arrangements that grow with every hearing. ASH Legal’s DUI flat fee starts at $5,000. See our general cost guide.
The DMV Piece
Remember there are two cases after a DUI: the court case and the DMV hearing. DMV Administrative Per Se hearing representation is often quoted separately from the criminal flat fee — ask, so you know what is included.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a DUI lawyer cost in San Francisco?
DUI defense fees in San Francisco typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on complexity. ASH Legal handles San Francisco DUI cases on a flat fee starting at $5,000, covering arraignment through resolution with no hourly billing.
What should a DUI flat fee cover?
The criminal case from arraignment through resolution — the arraignment, motions and chemical-test challenges, negotiation, and pre-trial appearances — for one price. DMV Administrative Per Se hearing representation is often quoted separately, so ask what is included.
Why do DUI lawyer fees vary so much?
Because complexity varies — a first offense versus a repeat, whether there was an accident or injury, the strength of the chemical test, your prior record, and whether the case is likely to go to trial. A straightforward first offense costs less than a contested injury case.
GuidesComplete Guide to California Misdemeanors · Glossary · Penalties Reference.
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Schedule Free ConsultationAbout the Author
Ahmed S. Hasan
San Francisco Criminal Defense Attorney · State Bar of California #364992
Ahmed S. Hasan is the founder of ASH Legal, a solo criminal defense practice based in San Francisco. The firm runs on flat-fee representation: one lawyer, one fee, from arraignment through resolution. No hourly billing. No surprise invoices.
Ahmed is a graduate of Emory University School of Law and a member in good standing of the State Bar of California (Bar #364992). His practice focuses on San Francisco misdemeanor defense — DUI, domestic violence, petty theft and shoplifting, drug possession, vandalism, trespassing, and assault and battery — with particular attention to diversion-track outcomes that end in dismissal under PC 1001.95, PC 1001.36 (Mental Health Diversion), PC 1001.80 (Military Diversion), and PC 1001.83 (Parental Caregiver Diversion).
Ahmed previously served as a post-bar clerk with the San Francisco Public Defender's Office, the city's largest indigent-defense practice. He is a member of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Silicon Valley.
He represents clients at the San Francisco Hall of Justice (850 Bryant Street) and the Civic Center Courthouse. The ASH Legal office is at 15 Boardman Place, Suite 301, San Francisco, CA 94103.
Free 30-minute consultations are available by phone or Zoom. (510) 545-6515 · ahmed@ashlegal.com