Cost Guide · Estimates compiled May 2026, reviewed October 2026

Cost of a Drink-Driving (EBA / DIC) Lawyer in New Zealand

Drink-driving (EBA / DIC) matters in NZ are prosecuted under the Land Transport Act 1998. Most matters are resolved with a guilty plea and sentence indication; defended hearings are less common but more expensive.

Quick answer

We estimate drink-driving lawyers in New Zealand charge roughly $200 – $450 per hour. Estimated fees for common fixed-fee work are below; they are not quotes, and individual firms vary widely. Legal aid: Available for cases where imprisonment is a realistic outcome (typically third or subsequent offences).

Typical drink-driving (eba / dic) fees

Service Estimated NZ fee
Hourly rate $200 – $450/hr estimate
Guilty plea — first offence $1,500 – $3,500estimate
Guilty plea — third or subsequent $2,500 – $5,500estimate
Defended hearing — District Court $5,000 – $12,000estimate
Limited licence application $1,500 – $3,500estimate

Where these figures come from

Lawyer fee ranges are LawyerFinder estimates, compiled in May 2026 and reviewed in October 2026. They are not drawn from a survey, and the New Zealand Law Society does not publish fee scales. Government fees and legal rules are checked against the official source cited beside them. Compiled 30 May 2026; reviewed 14 October 2026. Lawyers other than barristers sole must tell you in writing, in advance, the basis on which they will charge fees (Conduct and Client Care Rules 2008, rule 3.4); ask for a written estimate too.

What drives the cost

  • • Reading and prior convictions
  • • Defended vs guilty plea
  • • Whether a limited licence application is also being made

Legal aid

Available for cases where imprisonment is a realistic outcome (typically third or subsequent offences). Apply via your lawyer or the Ministry of Justice — see justice.govt.nz.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does a drink-driving lawyer cost in NZ? ▾

A first-offence guilty plea is commonly $1,500 – $3,500. Third or subsequent offences run higher and may attract legal aid. Defended hearings start at around $5,000.

Can I apply for a limited licence? ▾

Yes — for most disqualifications you can apply to the court for a limited (work) licence, subject to the conditions in the Land Transport Act 1998. Lawyer fees for the application are commonly $1,500 – $3,500.

Sources

Legislation and government fee pages checked 14 October 2026. The lawyer-fee ranges above are our estimates and have no external source.

Related

What other legal work costs

Information only — not legal advice. Fees vary by firm, region and matter complexity. Before instructing, expect the written fee information required by rule 3.4 of the Conduct and Client Care Rules 2008.