Last updated: September 24, 2026
What affects the price
Legal fees aren't one-size-fits-all. What you pay depends on how complex your specific charges are, the amount of evidence the prosecution has, and whether your case heads to a full trial or can be resolved through a plea agreement. Attorneys also factor in the time needed for discovery, court appearances, and private investigations. A simple misdemeanor usually costs less than a serious felony charge requiring expert witnesses or extensive research. We can discuss your specific situation and get your exact pricing confirmed free on the call.
About this service
A DUI attorney focuses specifically on defending clients charged with driving under the influence. This involves challenging the validity of traffic stops, the accuracy of breathalyzer tests, and the way field sobriety tests were conducted. You need this specialized help if you are worried about losing your license, facing heavy fines, or dealing with potential jail time. An experienced attorney in this field knows how to scrutinize the state's evidence to uncover technical errors in their case.
Frequently asked in Portland
What's the difference between a criminal lawyer and a defense lawyer?
A defense lawyer is a criminal lawyer who specifically focuses on defending individuals accused of crimes. In Portland, you'll want a lawyer whose primary role is to protect your rights and challenge the prosecution's case. They are experts in Oregon's criminal justice system. Their job is to build the strongest possible defense for you.
When should I hire a criminal lawyer?
You should hire a criminal lawyer in Portland as soon as you're arrested or if you believe you're under investigation. For DUI charges, acting fast is crucial. The sooner a lawyer can review the facts and begin working on your defense, the better your chances of a positive outcome. Don't wait to get expert legal help in Portland.
What is the hardest case to defend?
Cases with strong, undeniable evidence are typically the most challenging to defend. In Portland, a DUI with a very high blood alcohol content and clear signs of impairment observed by officers can be difficult. However, every case is unique, and a skilled defense attorney will always look for any errors or weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence.
How much do the best criminal lawyers cost?
What is the hardest criminal case to beat?
Cases where the evidence against the accused is overwhelming, such as clear video footage or multiple eyewitnesses, are generally the hardest to win. For DUIs in Portland, a high BAC reading combined with observed impairment can be particularly challenging. A good defense attorney will scrutinize all evidence for procedural mistakes.
What's the difference between a lawyer and a criminal lawyer?
A criminal lawyer is a lawyer who specializes in defending individuals accused of crimes. While all criminal lawyers are lawyers, not all lawyers practice criminal law. If you're facing charges in Portland, you need a lawyer with specific expertise in criminal defense and a deep understanding of Oregon's legal system.
Also serving nearby: Vancouver · Beaverton · Gresham · Hillsboro · Salem
More on this: American Bar Association — finding licensed defense counsel.
Service area details
Serving all of Portland — population 630,498; about 4,723 residents per square mile across 133.5 sq mi. ZIP codes covered include 97201, 97202, 97203, 97204, 97205, 97206, 97207, 97208.
Neighborhoods served in Portland: Pearl District, Downtown Portland, Hawthorne, Sellwood-Moreland, Nob Hill, Alberta Arts District — and every surrounding area.
Areas we serve
Browse by state, then city.
Alabama (3)
Alaska (1)
Arizona (8)
All of Arizona · Chandler · Gilbert · Mesa · Peoria · Phoenix · Scottsdale · Tempe · Tucson
Arkansas (1)
California (32)
All of California · Anaheim · Bakersfield · Chula Vista · Elk Grove · Fontana · Fremont · Fresno · Garden Grove · Glendale · Huntington Beach · Irvine · Lancaster · Long Beach · Los Angeles · Modesto · Moreno Valley · Oakland · Oceanside · Ontario · Oxnard · Palmdale · Rancho Cucamonga · Riverside · Sacramento · San Bernardino · San Diego · San Francisco · San Jose · Santa Ana · Santa Clarita · Santa Rosa · Stockton
Colorado (4)
All of Colorado · Aurora · Colorado Springs · Denver · Fort Collins
District of Columbia (1)
Florida (8)
All of Florida · Fort Lauderdale · Miami · Orlando · Pembroke Pines · Port St. Lucie · St. Petersburg · Tallahassee · Tampa
Georgia (2)
Hawaii (1)
Idaho (1)
Illinois (2)
Indiana (2)
Iowa (1)
Kansas (2)
Kentucky (2)
All of Kentucky · Lexington-Fayette · Louisville/Jefferson County
Louisiana (3)
Maryland (1)
Massachusetts (1)
Michigan (2)
Minnesota (2)
Missouri (3)
Nebraska (1)
Nevada (4)
All of Nevada · Henderson · Las Vegas · North Las Vegas · Reno
New Jersey (1)
New Mexico (1)
New York (3)
North Carolina (6)
All of North Carolina · Cary · Charlotte · Durham · Fayetteville · Raleigh · Winston-Salem
Ohio (4)
All of Ohio · Akron · Cincinnati · Cleveland · Columbus
Oklahoma (1)
Oregon (3)
All of Oregon · Eugene · Portland · Salem
Pennsylvania (2)
Rhode Island (1)
Tennessee (6)
All of Tennessee · Chattanooga · Clarksville · Knoxville · Memphis · Murfreesboro · Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance)
Texas (16)
All of Texas · Amarillo · Arlington · Brownsville · Corpus Christi · Dallas · El Paso · Fort Worth · Garland · Grand Prairie · Houston · Irving · Laredo · Lubbock · McKinney · Plano · San Antonio
Utah (1)
Virginia (4)
All of Virginia · Newport News · Norfolk · Richmond · Virginia Beach
Washington (4)
All of Washington · Seattle · Spokane · Tacoma · Vancouver
