The Real Costs Behind a DUI Arrest and Conviction

When people drink and drive, they often never thinksuffering; these are often very high costs.
about the consequences that come with gettingThere aren't just the emotional and financial costs
caught driving under the influence. People assume thatattached to the DUI that you must content with; you
the only thing they have to do is show up in court, paymust also deal with the court-ordered commitments
a fine and that be that. However, that's not the way itsuch as attending a DUI school, participating in
goes. DUIs are a lot more expensive than fines andcommunity service or attending a victim impact panel.
time commitments; it could mean a loss of your drivingIt's also possible you'll need to serve time in jail or
privileges, social stigma, jail or prison time.prison. These kinds of programs also have financial
There's not a doubt that a DUI is much more than acosts you must deal with... work time loss and
simple fine. There's a whole wide range of costs andcourt-related programs. If you have a DUI conviction,
not all at the same time. Your costs may include:some jobs will turn you down.
- Cost of ticketThe judge may suggest that your driving privileges be
- Court costrevoked. Once your suspension has ended, you'll have
- Court-ordered testing and/or programsto pay a hefty fee to reinstate it. You may also need
- DUI lawyer feesto install an ignition interlock system before you are
- Impound feesable to drive again after your DUI conviction.
- Increase in insurance premiumsAs you can see, there are immediate and long-term
Add these fees together and it can run you thousandscosts to driving under the influence, as having a DUI
of dollars.can alter your life forever. While you may not be able
You also can't escape the emotional side of a DUIto avoid all costs linked with a DUI, a DUI attorney can
arrest. Most people will feel embarrassed and/ormitigate them, lowering some of the fees. It's not
ashamed for being arrested; their family membersuncommon for some cases to see fees range in the
may feel the same way. Emotions can also run high in$60,000 range. If you've been arrested for DUI, you'll
a DUI case if a person has been injured. You may alsowant to hire the best DUI attorney who has the
sustain injury behind the wheel if you are under theexperience and training to help you avoid a DUI
influence. If you've injured someone while you wereconviction.
intoxicated, you could be sued for the pain and