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How Can I Get a Loan?
Okay, so you’ve been arrested for DUI in Tennessee. Obviously, that’s not a great day — but it’s not the end of the road either. We help great people fight their DUI charges, and one of the first questions that comes up is: How do I pay for a DUI lawyer? (In case you hadn’t started thinking about that little part yet.)
But seriously — paying for DUI defense is an important conversation if you’re about to hire an attorney. This article is meant to help you understand how paying for DUI defense typically works for most of our clients here in Tennessee.
After having helped thousands of clients fight DUI charges in counties across Tennessee, we’ve seen people cover their legal fees in a variety of ways. Some of the most common options include:
- Home equity line
- Personal loan (secured or unsecured)
- Out of pocket (cash/savings)
- Credit card
- Family assistance
How Do I Pay for a DUI Lawyer?
Our clients typically pay for DUI representation using a home equity line, a personal loan (secured or unsecured), cash savings, credit card, or help from family members. If you know you’ll need to finance some or all of your case, we recommend you start getting pre-approved or lined up for financing as soon as possible — ideally before your first court date or initial consultation. This ensures you can move forward quickly and confidently.
Creative Financing
Of all the listed methods, the most popular approach we see is cash, savings or help from family members. Time is of the essence because most want to invest in the most important thing they have: their freedom.
Another way many of our clients obtain the funds to invest in the best DUI attorney for them is home equity loans or lines of credit.
We’ve seen clients run into surprises — thinking they had equity, only to find out they didn’t qualify after applying. That’s why we now encourage anyone considering using home equity to apply for the loan early in the process — ideally right after our first consultation.
A general rule of thumb: unless you’ve owned your home for several years or built up substantial equity recently, a second mortgage may not be the fastest or best option.
Unsecured Loans
If you can’t or don’t want to use your home as collateral, many clients consider unsecured personal loans. These loans can generally be obtained without equity and without an appraisal — which makes them much faster in some cases.
Unsecured loan rates tend to be higher than secured loans, since they’re riskier for the lender. As of now, we’ve seen fixed-rate personal loans starting as low as 7-9% annually (depending on credit). If your credit is strong, this can be a great option.
Locally, we’ve had clients use:
- Personal loans through their bank or credit union
- National legal financing companies (we can refer you to reputable options if needed)
- Online personal loan providers
One benefit of these loans is flexibility — repayment terms can often be stretched out over several years with no prepayment penalties.
When looking for an unsecured loan, this is the approach we recommend:
- Check with your local credit union
- Check with your personal bank (especially if you’ve banked there for years)
- If needed, we can connect you with trusted legal financing companies we’ve worked with
Frequently Asked Questions About Paying for DUI Defense
Q: Does your law firm offer “in-house” financing?
A: No. Like most law firms, we do not offer traditional in-house financing. But we do offer Up Front Payment Discounts (UFPD). If we both feel it is a good fit and want to work together we will give you a price and then the UFPD. You choose which option you would like.
Q: Is using home equity for legal fees tax-deductible?
A: Generally no, not for personal legal matters like DUI defense. Always consult your tax professional for specific guidance.
Q: How long does it take to get approved for a loan?
A: Many personal loans and credit cards can be approved in a day or two. Second mortgages or home equity lines can take a few weeks due to appraisal requirements.
Q: Will financing my DUI lawyer help me get a better outcome?
A: The key is hiring the right DUI attorney that specializes in well, DUIS — and making sure you can afford to fight the case the right way. Having proper legal representation can absolutely improve your chances of avoiding jail, limiting license suspension, and protecting your record. The ability to finance your defense simply gives you more options.
We’re seeing more flexibility with lenders today than we saw a decade ago. If you’re serious about fighting your DUI and know you may need financing, start looking at your options now. And of course — if you have questions, just call us. We’re here to help.
Call 615-NASH-LAW for a Free DUI Strategy Session
At Nash Law PLLC, we believe DUI defense is more than courtroom strategy, it’s personal. We help great people fight DUI charges and come out stronger on the other side. We hold your hand every step of the way.
We’re not just here to win your DUI case, we’re here to help you get your life back on track better than when you or your loved one got arrested for DUI.
Fast answers.
Clear strategies.
Fierce DUI defense.
Call us now at 615-NASH-LAW (615-627-4529) or fill out our online form for your Free Strategy Session to see if we’re a good fit. We hold our client’s hand every step of the way.
