How Much Will My DUI Cost Me?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol played a role in over 40 percent of fatalities from automobile accidents in 2006. Because of the aggressive stance taken by activist groups and the high cost to society in terms of lives and money, DUI offenders--even if not convicted--face a high level of financial and personal costs.
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Legal Fees & Court Costs
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If you were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs--commonly referred to as DUI--you will absolutely incur legal and court costs, even if you win the case or the charges are dropped. If you choose to hire an attorney privately, you may end up spending anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 or higher just to have legal representation. If you elect for the public defender, the court may still require you to pay for these services unless you can demonstrate serious financial hardship. Fines for a conviction or even a reduced charge through a plea bargain are typically several hundreds of dollars.
Program & Administrative Fees
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The fines and punishments for a DUI conviction are clearly defined by your state's laws. However, what is not as clear are the costs associated with the other punishments or programs you may have to complete. Certainly, you can expect to pay a bondsman for your bail bond on your arrest, but you will also be assessed the costs of towing your vehicle from the scene of the arrest and the subsequent impounding. DUI school, professional therapy or treatment, license re-instatement fees and other administrative costs mount quickly and can easily cost more than the court-imposed fines and penalties.
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Insurance Costs
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If convicted of a DUI, the cost of insuring you will skyrocket. Your state may even require you to take on additional liability and bodily injury insurance coverage. Those alone will raise your rates, not to mention the added premium imposed by your insurer. As a condition of getting your license re-instated, you may even have to pay for your insurance policy upfront for six or twelve months, hitting you with significant upfront cash expenses, versus financing the policy over the term of coverage. Expect your automobile insurance premium to rise by at least $2,000 for the entire year.
Emotional & Lifestyle Costs
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Although the hit on your bank account may be painful, most underestimate the personal costs of a DUI arrest and conviction. When arrested for a DUI, you likely will face license suspension. You will have to rely on public transportation, taxis and friends or co-workers to take you to the office. Meeting your friends at a restaurant for a football game becomes a difficult task if you are unable to get a ride. You may miss out on time with your family or children. If your livelihood depended on having an automobile, you may find it difficult if not impossible to get a new job in the field once your license is re-instated. There is also the lingering feeling of shame and embarrassment stemming from this event. Even once the events are totally in your past, you may find it difficult to return to your previous lifestyle you much enjoyed out of fear for a second arrest or conviction, which carries significantly harsher fines and sentencing.
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References
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