Leading experts estimate the that total costs related to a DUI conviction now far exceeds $10,000. This is broken down into many components
l. The fine, which for a first offender is about $2,000.
2. The cost of the required alcohol program ranges from $750 to $2,000
3. Your car insurance will either be cancelled or you will become “assigned risk”. The average increase in car insurance over a period of as long as seven years can be as high as $8,000.
4. Reinstatement of your driving privilege with the DMV costs $100 plus
5. Some courts will require you to install an Interlock Device which will not allow you to operate your vehicle without blowing into the device and the cost can exceed $1,500 depending upon how long you are required to have the device
6. Legal fees can range from $2,000 to much higher if your case goes to jury trial
The above list does not include money lost from time off from work to attend court hearings or loss of income due to loss of your job due to the DUI arrest
It is clear to see that with all of the financial consequences related to a DUI, not to mention the possibility of jail time and probation, it is critical that you seek the representation of a DUI law firm.