No matter whether it was accidental or criminal in nature, the cost of drinking and driving is significant. Not only are legal fees involved; there may also be other expenses.
All expenses related to DUI charges vary, but in general you should expect additional expenses such as towing fees, vehicle impoundment costs and Ignition Interlock program fees. Furthermore, your insurance rates could skyrocket as insurance companies see DUI offenders as high-risk clients.
Fines
DUI offenses carry various fines. First-time offenders should anticipate paying an attorney fee of approximately $5,000; public defenders tend to offer lower costs.
State laws generally mandate that DUI offenders install an ignition interlock device, typically costing around $1,000, as part of a plea deal agreement or plea arrangement. Furthermore, many DUI offenders must also attend alcohol treatment and education classes which could cost several thousand dollars each month.
Time in jail or community service has the potential to have serious repercussions for your ability to work and earn income, potentially leading to loss of employment or reduction of income which in turn has an adverse impact on yourself, family and community. Homelessness could ensue leading to other serious problems which is why having an experienced attorney on your side is critical in this fight against injustice.
Jail
An alcohol related driving offense will cost both financially and in terms of lost work time – potentially placing undue financial stress on you and your family. A DUI arrest can incur expensive fines and penalties as well as possible jail time; both scenarios can significantly impact on family finances.
When arrested for DUI in some states, licenses may be suspended and restored by paying to get them approved by a court. Furthermore, transportation costs such as taxi cabs or paying other people for gas may become your responsibility while your own car remains out of commission.
Lawyer fees can quickly add up, yet hiring an effective attorney could save thousands in fees and penalties. First-time offenders should expect to pay about $5,000 in attorney fees alone.
Treatment
Assuming responsibility for an accident while under the influence can be expensive and has dire repercussions for your future job prospects. Employers commonly conduct background checks, and a DUI on your record could raise flags with potential employers. Furthermore, any time an accident happens while driving under the influence, you could owe compensation to anyone injured as part of any settlement agreement or settlement agreements that come out.
You will also be responsible for any towing, storage or recovery fees should your car be impounded as well as attorney fees, court costs and probation supervision costs that might incur; these could total thousands in total.
Most DUI offenders must attend treatment and education classes, which may cost several hundred dollars depending on the program chosen, plus ignition interlock device fees of up to $1,500.
Driver’s License Revocation
An unexpected license suspension can bring with it many hidden expenses. You could be required to install an ignition interlock device – up to $150 monthly – into your car, as well as enroll in an alcohol or drug education program costing between $50-100 per class.
After being charged with DUI, bail payments can become prohibitively expensive – particularly if injuries or deaths result from your case. Working with a bail bond company can significantly lower these costs.
Dependent upon the state you reside in, reinstatement can cost upwards of $1,000. Insurance premiums tend to increase after being arrested for DUI as well – leading to lost wages totalling thousands! Furthermore, jobs that require driving may not accept individuals with past DUI records as employees.
Insurance Rates
If you are charged with driving under the influence, your insurance rates will increase substantially, the exact increase depending on factors like location, severity of conviction and company you use for coverage.
First time offenders must also install an ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicle, which may cost as much as $1,500 including installation, monitoring fees, and any related expenses.
Furthermore, those convicted of DUIs may find themselves with less employment options due to their criminal records, leading them to face lost income and financial strain. This is especially true of government workers or public office representatives requiring driving as part of their job description. By maintaining continuous coverage and an impeccable driving history over time, your insurance rates will begin to decrease gradually.
