How Much Does an Illinois DUI Conviction Cost?

 Posted on April 12, 2017 in DUI

When one is convicted of a DUI in Illinois, they face two main types of consequences: criminal and collateral. Those that are criminal in nature are consequences related to jail time, probation, and licensing suspensions. Collateral consequences are those that one faces because of the conviction. Examples include the increased cost of car insurance and difficulty obtaining a job because of a criminal record. Both types can result in significant financial losses.

Criminal Costs of an Illinois DUI Conviction

Criminal costs of a DUI are, perhaps, the easiest to measure. Most have a fee already attached to them. For example, the installation of a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) will cost $100 to install. In addition, all BAIID users must pay rental and monitoring fees, which cost $960 and $360 per year, respectively. Other common criminal costs that one can expect after a DUI conviction include:

• Court costs ($750),
• Fines (up to $2,500),
• Rehabilitation fees ($300),
• Driver’s License Reinstatement ($500 plus $30 for a new license),
• Towing and storage ($250), and
• Formal hearing fee ($50).

If you hire an attorney for your case (which is highly recommended), there will be legal costs added to the criminal costs as well. As tempting as it might be to avoid this expense, it is highly discouraged – especially since it may be possible for your attorney to either mitigate the consequences or perhaps avoid conviction altogether.

Collateral Consequences of an Illinois DUI Conviction

Although collateral consequences often have a monetary cost attached, the amount is likely to vary from one person to the next. The following examples are based on averages and estimates of reasonably expected collateral costs of a DUI. All estimates related to employment are based on the average income of $55,000 per year.

• High-risk auto insurance ($6,000 for three years),
• Time missed at work ($4,230),
• Alternate transportation ($100 - $1,000),

Further, there may be some costs that certain individuals experience, but others do not. As an example, an individual who does not experience an accident while driving intoxicated is unlikely to have medical bills associated with their DUI. On the other hand, a driver who causes an accident could be responsible for the victim’s medical bills, and they may be ordered to pay other forms of restitution to the victim (i.e. pain and suffering, loss of life, etc.).

Reducing the Cost of a DUI Conviction

As previously mentioned, it may be possible for your attorney to decrease the cost of your DUI. In some situations, it may be possible to avoid conviction entirely. Backed by more than 25 years of experience, Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law, is the firm to call. Committed to protecting your rights and best interests, we will take swift and aggressive action in your case. Schedule your consultation with our Arlington Heights DUI defense lawyer to learn more. Call 847-253-3400 today.

Source:

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a118.pdf