Drunken driving is a criminal offense and it carries severe consequences. If you are found to have alcohol surpassing 30 mg per 100 ml of blood in your system, you fail to obey the law. Operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol is dangerous, yet people still do it anyway. Drinking and driving causes a great many deaths per year at a global level. In spite of the fact that fatal accidents on the roads have fallen significantly since 2000, the rate death from alcohol impairment is still high, especially when it comes to developed nations.
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, you need to prepare for financial consequences. The cost of a DUI conviction varies from state to state. Nevertheless, it generally costs thousands of dollars. If you are curious to know what drunken driving can do to your finances, please continue reading.
Drunk Driving
Financial Penalties Associated with A Drunk Driving Conviction
Maybe you do not understand the gravity of the situation. When you are arrested for drunk driving, your driving privileges are revoked, not to mention that you must pay hefty fines. Even if you meet your legal obligations, the criminal conviction can still compromise future opportunities and affect your life for years to come. When you are arrested for the first time, you are on the hook for Rs.10,000. The Motor Vehicles Amendment Bill 2019 recently passed and it enforces increases in fines for a new offense. First-time offenders will have to pay a penalty of Rs 25,000 with three-year imprisonment.
In the United States, fines vary from nation to nation. In San Diego, for instance, you can expect to pay between $390 and $1,000. If you are required to sign up for a drunk driving education program, you must dig deep into your pockets because it can cost anywhere from $1,500 and $2,500. Most likely, you will empty your savings account. Getting back on topic, some countries impose higher fees and fines than others. The overall costs depend on the severity of the incident.
People between the ages of 16 and 19 have higher chances of being involved in a road accident as opposed to drivers belonging to other categories. Consequently, the financial impact of their first DUI conviction is overwhelming. Laws are not tolerant, which means that youngsters who drive with alcohol in their bloodstream face large penalties. The point is that a DUI is not inexpensive. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor, you must pay financially.
Other Fees That Contribute to The Total for A DUI Offence
It is important to know the whole story before passing judgment. Getting while operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol will end up costing you in more ways than you think. Besides fines, there are other financial penalties that you might not be aware of. These are just some of the expenses that you will incur for a DUI offense:
- Bail from jail. If police officers have reason to believe that you are intoxicated, they will arrest you and take you to the nearest police station. You can be released right away if someone comes to pay your bail. You are bailed to attend court on a specific date, which means that you are free until the trial.
- Getting your car back from the tow yard. When you get arrested, the police impound your car. You have to pay the full charges and fines and full to have your car released back to you. Impound lots charge by the day, which means that if you do not get your car back immediately, the fees become higher.
- Medical testing. Blood tests cannot be administered at the scene. It is necessary for qualified professionals. Not only do you have to agree to take the test, but also you must support the costs.
- Car insurance increases. In the case of drunk driving, car insurance premiums increase, so the likelihood is that you will pay a lot more. In the eyes of the company, you represent a risk. You can expect an 80% increase, although it is possible to have a percentage of 100.
- License reinstatement fees. Reinstating your driver’s license is not cheap. To have your license reinstalled, you have to pay additional costs. This does not necessarily mean that your license is valid. Until you get your driving privileges back, you must use some kind of transportation. Relatives and friends can drive you around, but keep in mind that they have busy lives.
The best thing you can do is to fight the DUI charge. Help your drunk driving defense case by hiring an attorney. A legal professional can have the case dismissed and the charges reduced. It is not a good idea to use a public defender. You should better go with a privately-hired attorney. Keep in mind that drunk driving is an offense that law enforcement takes very seriously.
How To Minimize The Financial Penalties For A Conviction Of Driving Under The Influence
Until this point, it is clear that the expenses associated with a conviction for driving under the influence are not forging. It is true that you must pay for legal representation, but that is the least of your expenses. In case you did not know, DUI attorneys offer competitive prices and they are honest about every cost during the initial consultation. Here are some tips on how to minimize your DUI costs:
- Assess the overall cost of the DUI charge
- Do not hire the most affordable lawyer because you may end up paying significantly more.
- Try to negotiate a penalty reduction.
Most importantly, present a strong defense. This is the only way to mitigate the damage of the felony. What can happen if you actually win the case? Well, if the arrest was not justified under the law, you receive financial compensation. Yes, you are paid money for the ordeal that you have suffered. So, prepare your case ahead of time.
