You’ve probably seen the billboards on the side of the road or the advertisements on television suggesting that a DUI can cost you thousands of dollars. But where do all those costs come from? In today’s blog, we take a closer look at all the fees associated with a drunk driving conviction so you can see just how costly a DUI can be.
The Price Of A DUI
Here’s a list of all the fees and hidden costs you may run into after a DUI conviction.
Fine – Assuming your DUI is a misdemeanor, you’ll likely have to pay between $300 and $1,000 for the fine associated with the ticket. If you have a more severe DUI, this price could increase.
Traffic School – In order to regain your license, or as part of your sentencing, you may be required to take a traffic course or an alcohol abuse program. These typically range from between $150 and $500.
License Reinstatement Fees/DMV Fees – In order to get your license reinstated, you’ll have to pay a fee to the DMV. In Minnesota, the license reinstatement fee is $680.
Ignition Interlock Devices – Ignition interlock devices cost anywhere from $50 to $200 to install, and they also carry a monthly maintenance fee that’s usually about $50 and $70. This can add up over the course of six or 12 months.
Towing and Impound Fees – Unless a sober driver is in the vehicle with you at the time of your arrest, your car will be towed and impounded. A typical tow charge is between $80 and $150, and storage fees are usually between $30 and $50 a day.
Bail – If you choose to post bail, that will run you a couple hundred or a couple thousand dollars. You do however get this money back if you make all your court appearances (less court fees). If you choose to be released on bond, that amount is typically 10 percent of your original bail amount ($100 for bail set at $1,000), but you will not get this money back, even if you show up for all court appearances and are found innocent.
Car Insurance – The average increase to car insurance rates is $830 per year after a DUI. Considering you have to have increased rates for at least three years, this comes to an average of $2,500 extra for insurance.
Lost Wages – If you lose your job as a result of your DUI, or even if you simply have to take some time off of work to show up in court, you could lose hundreds or even thousands of dollars in lost wages.
All in all, it’s easy to see how a DUI can add up in a hurry. Some estimates suggest that it can cost a person roughly $10,000, which is why it is so important to hire a criminal defense attorney to defend you in court. They can help to greatly reduce and eliminate some of these costs. To learn how, reach out to Avery Appelman today.
