DUI Court Cost
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Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) is not only scary—it can also be quite expensive, as a conviction can lead to a number of fines and penalties. Indeed, the average person convicted of drunk driving faces a DUI court cost of $10,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on the nature of the offense and the sentencing guidelines in his or her jurisdiction. As a result, it may be more affordable to hire an attorney to help you fight your arrest, rather than forego legal counsel.
The penalties for driving under the influence vary from one state to another. However, in most areas, the sentence for DUI includes a fine of $500 to $1,000 for a first-time offender, and $15,000 or more for repeat offenders (drivers who have a prior DUI conviction on their record).
Along with any fees imposed by the court, you may face numerous other expenses due to your conviction. If your license is revoked, for example, you will have to find a new way to get back and forth—which means you could rack up a large bill for transportation in the process. Once your suspension ends, an administrative fee of $100 or more may also be imposed before your driving privileges are restored.
In many states, a DUI conviction carries additional penalties such as community service, mandatory alcohol treatment, probation, and DUI School. Because they are managed by third parties, you will be responsible for any costs that are required for these programs, including enrollment fees, tuition, etc. You may also suffer a loss of income due to your time away from work.
Many DUI offenders are required to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle (a device that requires the individual to perform a breath test in order to operate his or her vehicle). In such cases, the driver is once again responsible for expenses such as installation costs, monthly monitoring, and maintenance/service fees.
Long after your legal expenses are paid, a DUI conviction can continue to wreak havoc on your finances. Once your insurance provider finds out you were found guilty of drunk driving, you can expect to pay two to three times more for auto insurance—facing up to a 450% increase for coverage. Some companies may even refuse to insure you altogether.
Fortunately, being arrested for DUI is not the same as being convicted, and many drivers are able to successfully challenge their charges and avoid many or all of the costs that follow a drunk driving conviction. To learn how you can do the same, submit your information online today to request a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced DUI defense attorney in your area.