Every year, thousands of California drivers make the mistake of getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while they’re under the influence. In most cases, those drivers don’t expect to face any sort of consequences. However, when you consider how many financial issues DUIs create, you realize that the cost of getting a DUI is likely higher than you think.
Paying bail
Even if most states don’t put drunk drivers in jail for long periods of time, paying bail after your initial DUI arrest is expensive. According to studies, bail for a DUI charge typically costs anywhere from $100 to $2,500.
Impound fees
DUI consequences don’t stop with your bail. Unless you have a sober person in your car at the time of your arrest, the police will tow your car from the side of the road and impound it. Based on national data, impound fees cost between $100 and $1,200.
Fines for your DUI
Every state fines drivers who get arrested for driving under the influence. Fines cost between $150 and $1,800, depending on several factors; however, the cost doesn’t end there. Most courts also impose fines that include the cost of jail time, sentencing, probation and community service supervision.
DMV fees
The state will suspend your driver’s license when you get arrested for a DUI. If you get convicted of driving under the influence, you will probably lose the right to drive for several months. Once you go to the DMV for reinstatement, your fees will likely cost anywhere from $20 to $200.
Traffic school
Depending on the details of your case, you may have to go through traffic school or an alcohol education course. These courses cost anywhere from $350 to $2,000.
These costs don’t include the increase in your insurance premiums and other costs you may incur. It’s not uncommon for a DUI conviction to cost a perpetrator more than $10,000.The post The cost of getting a DUI first appeared on The Law Offices of Casey & Angelos.
