My youngest son, who is a named driver on my car insurance policy here in Arizona, was charged with DUI. Is it possible to just take him off my policy and ask him to get his own car insurance without having an effect on my policy?

Garett

Deer Valley, AZ

The guiding principles and rating systems of car insurance companies vary so you have to check with your insurer in Arizona to determine if your son’s DUI will have an effect on your car insurance premiums. If he is still under your car insurance policy, it is possible that your car insurance premiums will increase because of his DUI charge since alcohol-related violations are generally taken seriously by car insurance companies.

As you understand, the driving history of any licensed driver on a car insurance policy or in a household could affect the car insurance rates and the insurer’s choice to insure the car. Some violations could be a reason for the car insurance company to refuse to insure you or to ask you to pay higher car insurance rates.

You must determine what you would have to do to take off or rule out your son from your car insurance policy by getting in touch with your car insurance agent. In the event that your son gets his own car insurance policy, you are most likely be asked to present a proof of his policy to your car insurance provider so that he can be taken off as a driver on your car insurance coverage. In case your car insurance premiums go up, then you have to begin shopping around for new car insurance policy.

My husband was charged for DUI here in Arizona. We are in a fixed income just like anybody else. We would like to get a DUI lawyer who would defend my husband against his charge. How much do we have to pay an Arizona DUI lawyer if we will be hiring one?

Bette

Glendale, AZ

It is always a good idea to go with the most affordable or cheapest lawyer. What would be more important is that you find the best Arizona DUI lawyer who would represent your husband. I do understand your point that you can’t actually afford an expensive one. You may still be able to find a less expensive experienced Arizona DUI lawyer.

Usually, DUI lawyers who charge cheap are those who need to take up more and more cases to survive. On the other hand, those who charge more are those who already built a good reputation and have been defending DUI clients for quite a while.

The actual cost of hiring a DUI lawyer varies. But you can expect an Arizona DUI lawyer to charge anywhere between $3,000 and $15,000 for a first time misdemeanor. The fees increases from $15,000 to even beyond $25,000 for felony DUI cases, excluding expert witness fees and other costs.

Some DUI lawyers to charge by the hour. The common rate would be $300/hour. This kind of lawyers seeks an upfront retainer, upon which the billing is done. The client is asked to replenish it again after the exhaustion of the original retainer. There are also some DUI lawyers who adjust their payments based on the financial needs of the client.

Will I ever get a cheap car insurance in Arizona after having a DUI conviction? I’m desperately in need of your help.

Nick

Fresno, CA

Well, good luck to you, Nick. Don’t expect that you can get the lowest premium rates if you have an Arizona DUI on your record. You may anticipate paying as much as double than drivers with unblemished driving histories. Most insurance companies check a driver’s motor vehicle record only once every three years or when you’re applying for a new policy. Sometimes, drunk-driving convictions, accidents and tickets can escape your insurer’s attention or don’t end up on your motor vehicle record. But if your insurer finds out about your DUI conviction, you are likely to feel the pinch of higher rates and possibly policy cancellation or non-renewal.

I suggest you shop around so that you can yield the lowest rate for your car insurance in Arizona, as they vary greatly. Hope you find the lowest rate that would help you wipe your desperation about getting  cheap insurance in Arizona after your DUI.

• Your lawyer doesn’t handle your case on his or her own, so the cost of Phoenix Arizona DUI attorney can also include such things as charges for the pay made to workers who make phone calls, send out mail, do scheduling, and so on.
• Some small things can add up your charges, like paper and faxing and phone lines.
• If your lawyer has to travel, or if witnesses have to be brought at your attorney’s expense, to the courthouse when you stand trial, you can be assessed charges for that.
• If workers go overtime on a complicated case, you are often charged.
• The fees for filing stuff with court.
• If you choose, you can have a trial before a jury of your peers, but in some cases this is an option which costs more.
• Fees for shipping mail.