Have you ever considered the full cost of a drunk driving charge? What happens, in a financial sense, to someone who is convicted of driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated?
It’s a fairly heavy question, because there are many financial aspects to a DUI that need to be considered. First of all, the actual processing of the DUI will leave the accused with a significant bill. Your car will be towed and impounded. You will need to be bailed out of jail. And you’ll have to pay for any jail time. All of that can run you thousands of dollars.
Then you have to deal with the court procedures and the charges. This involves steps such as court dates, fines, sentencing fees, costs associated with ignition interlock and the suspension (and ultimate renewal) of your license. Again, all of these factors combined can cost thousands of dollars.
And then there are the post-conviction elements you need to deal with. Probation? you have to pay for that. Alcohol treatment and therapy? You have to pay for that too. The taxis and buses you have to use while your license is suspended? That costs money, as will the much high insurance rates you have to pay once you are allowed to drive a car again.
You could be looking at tens of thousands of dollars that you are responsible for after a DUI, which is why it is imperative to consult with a criminal defense attorney early in the process to fully defend yourself against every aspect of a DUI charge.