Intoxicated Driving Offenses Are Expensive
You could host a beautiful wedding, buy a nice car or take an international trip. You could help your kids with college expenses, pay off some debt or invest in stocks or bonds. Or, if you have been convicted of drunk driving you can use that money to cover DUI fines, court costs, lost wages, alcohol education classes, license reinstatement fees and restitution. Truly, the cost of a DUI exceeds what seems possible.
What Is The Cost Of A DUI?
Rest assured, a drunk driving conviction will cost you a lot of money. Money that you probably don’t have and that could be otherwise spent. Learn about common questions concerning DUI costs, including:
- Is it true that a DUI is expensive? Nothing could be truer. The very first expense you will face if the cost of towing your car, and retrieving it from the impound station. After you will begin to incur attorneys’ fees, although if you are unable to afford one, an attorney will be assigned to represent you in criminal court.
For the administrative side of DUI that takes place in civil court, you will either have to pay an attorney or represent yourself. Civil courts are not required to provide you with an attorney. Other related costs are fines, court costs, DUI school tuition, license reinstatement fees and possible restitution.
- What can I expect to pay in fees and penalties? That depends on the severity of the crime. A first time misdemeanor conviction can cost you up to a $2,500 fine. Subsequent convictions can raise fines as high as $25,000. In addition to the fine you will have to pay between $750–1000 in a mandatory DUI tech fee and a mandatory $50 roadside memorial fee.
- What about the cost of an attorney? Some attorneys work on a flat-fee and include you administrative hearing (driver’s license revocation hearing) in that fee. Others charge by the hour. Depending on whether this is your first or a subsequent conviction, and the experience of the lawyer your hire, your fees can easily range from $5000–10,000.
- Will I have to pay restitution? In the event that you cause property damage such as wrecking another vehicle, or damaging someone’s property, you will probably be ordered to repay the person for the damages. If someone is injured or killed, you could be liable for medical bills, time off work, permanent disability, or the cost of funeral expenses. If your actions caused injury or death, you will not doubt be sued in civil court.
- Are there other costs I may need to be thinking about? You will almost certainly lose time from work for court appearances. If you are sent to jail, you will not doubt lose your current job. You car insurance premiums rise for an average of 3–5 years after you have been convicted of driving under the influence.
In addition, if you have been ordered to pay restitution and it is covered by your homeowner’s policy, you will see a rise in premiums or even be cancelled. Finally, many companies will not hire you because of a conviction. In addition, some companies and individuals will not rent to someone who has a criminal record.
Find More Information You Need
While many of the costs of a drunk driving offense are outlined here, the total expenses for your conviction will depend upon the circumstances in your case. Contacting an attorney is the best opportunity to build an effective defense that allows you to escape these costs. Your lawyer can also provide information on the legal alcohol limit in Chicago and other frequently asked questions about DUI.
