The Financial Costs of a DUI Conviction

 Posted on May 04, 2016 in DUI

The cost of a drunk driving conviction can easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars. The obvious expenses usually include attorneys' fees and fines, but there are numerous other costs that people do not usually consider until they find themselves with empty pockets as a result of their conviction.

Upfront Expenses

Financial obligations often start immediately after being taken into custody. In the majority of cases, law enforcement impounds the accused driver’s vehicle and it is towed to a municipal garage. The accused driver or owner of the vehicle is responsible for any and all towing and storage fees. Then there is the cost of bail or bond in order to be released from police custody.

Fines and Driving-Related Costs 

Many imposed penalties often include hefty fines. There is also the cost of mandatory drunk driving education course, which averages approximately $1,500 to $2,000. 

If a person is convicted of drunk driving in any state in the country, there is an automatic loss of license. Since the driver is no longer able to drive his or her vehicle, there are now additional costs for transportation. When the offender is finally able to get their license back, there is also a hefty reinstatement fee required. Once his or her driving privileges have been restored or driving relief has been granted, expenses may continue to accrue. 

Depending on the circumstances of the arrest, and if there are prior drunk driving convictions, the person may be required to have a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) in their vehicle. In Illinois, it costs $85 to have the device installed. There is then a monthly fee paid to the device’s vendor of $80. The driver must also pay $30 per month to the state for monitoring fees.

The costs do not stop there. A DUI conviction can result in significantly higher auto insurance premiums. In fact, in the five years following the reinstatement of driving privileges for a person convicted of drunk driving, insurance costs are usually between $5000 to $10,000 more.

Limiting the Financial Impact

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, it is critical that you contact a skilled Arlington Heights criminal defense attorney to help defend you against these charges. Defense attorney Scott Anderson has over 25 years of experience working in the Illinois criminal justice system. Call 847-253-3400 for a free initial consultation.

Sources:

http://www.anellixavier.com/dui-foundation/support/financial/

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/BAIID/baiid.html