You may have heard that even a first offense DUI will cost you $10,000 by the time you are finished with the ordeal. While being arrested and convicted for driving under the influence is a serious offense, if you have never had one before, it is considered a misdemeanor and while you could pay significantly less, or significantly more than $10,000, just expect it to be costly—and not worth the risk under any circumstances! While legal fees vary depending on your case, there is much more to consider aside from hiring an experienced DUI attorney and paying court fees. Keep in mind that you will unfortunately probably end up in jail and need to be bailed out. Your bail may range from hundreds of dollars to as high as $2500. Court fees and fines together could cost as much as $2,000 or more, and there is even a fee to cover booking.
Other charges you may not have thought of:
- Getting your car towed
- Attending a DUI School
- Getting a new license once yours is reinstated
- Car insurance (it will probably double, and stay highly inflated for years)
- Charges you must pay out of pocket for damage to your car or someone else’s
- Out-of-pocket payments for medical fees
Your case will be greatly complicated of course too if another party was seriously injured or killed in a drunk-driving accident. Even if you were just pulled over due to another infraction or some sort of activity that caused law enforcement to suspect you were driving under the influence—and there was no harm to anyone else—you may expected your license to be suspended even if it is just for a short time, and there may be a probationary period afterward too as well as varying requirements regarding an ignition interlock device (IID). While the IID could be a serious hassle (and brings on a whole other host of expenses from installation to maintenance fees), it may allow you to drive again almost right away on a restricted license.
No matter what though, if you been arrested for DUI, you need serious legal representation, and fast. And if you are worried that you may have a serious drinking problem and need help beyond the education offered in a DUI case, reach out for information regarding resources like Alcoholics Anonymous in your area, or other local support groups.
Contact Dolan Law Offices now to schedule a free consultation as soon as possible if you have been charged with DUI or think you may be charged. Call us at (760) 775-3739 or contact us online as soon as possible.