How much does a lawyer cost?

Some cases may vary depending on the circumstances and a retainer or flat fee will be quoted to you during the free case evaluation where rates can be explained.

Divorce Retainers:

• Uncontested without kids: $2,000 retainer

• Uncontested with kids: $2,500 retainer

• Contested divorce without kids: $4,000 retainer

• Contested divorce with kids: $5,000-$6,000

Custody Retainers:

• Uncontested Paternity Establishment: $2,500 retainer

• All other Contested Cases: $5,000 - $6,000 retainer

Criminal Defense Retainers/Flat Fee (in Sioux Falls area):

• DUI 1st offense: $1,500 flat

• DUI 2nd offense: $2,000 flat

• Simple Assault: $2,000 flat

• Other Class one Misdemeanors: $1,500 flat

• Possession of Controlled Substance (class 5 or 6 felony): $2,500 flat

• DWI 3rd or 4th offense: $3,000 retainer

• Other felonies - case by case basis

Out-of-County Divorce, Custody or Criminal Case- Case-by-case basis retainers/flat fee (usually similar to above with added cost for travel time).

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I have a case, but it is not in Sioux Falls, SD. Can you still help me?

 Yes.  We are licensed to practice anywhere in South Dakota, but practice primarily in southeastern South Dakota.  The communities and counties where we routinely practice include but are not limited to:  Sioux Falls in Minnehaha County, Canton in Lincoln County, Vermillion in Clay County, Elk Point in Union County, Brookings in Brookings County, Flandreau in Moody County, Madison in Lake County, Parker in Turner County, Salem in McCook County, Mitchell in Davison County, and Yankton in Yankton County.

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Once I retain a lawyer, what happens next?

When we get retained, we file a Notice of Appearance to the opposing side (whether that be the government or your ex in divorce) and it gets filed with the Court so they know you have counsel. We then proceed with preparing your case and that means meeting with you and putting together our strategy.

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How fast can I get divorced?

In South Dakota, a judge can sign the Judgment and Decree of Divorce 61 days after the service of the Summons and Complaint.

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How long will my case take?

An idea of how long your case will take can sometimes be given to you at the case evaluation. At times the legal system moves very slow and there are forces out of our control for the answer to this, but at Griese Law firm we are respectful of your time and keep the case moving a long from our end.