When most people go out to a party or club for a few drinks with their friends, they’re just thinking about having a good time. When the bill comes and it’s time to split the check, everybody throws in their credit cards to split the cost. Your friends are low-key and like to keep things simple, not pinch pennies.
A DUI is expensive
But are you as carefree with your spending when you get pulled over and arrested for DUI? Will your friends split the costs of your fun night out then? Not going to happen. While drinks with your friends can set you back a bunch of money, getting a DUI in Southern California can really cost you. That’s because California has some of the harshest DUI laws in the country.
Immediate drivers license confiscation
Did you know that when a police officer arrests you for DUI, he or she will immediately confiscate your license? You can’t even been charged with a crime yet, you haven’t been given any opportunity to defend yourself, but your license will be suspended 30 days after your arrested unless you request a DMV hearing to fight the suspension.
Minimum 1st DUI costs
From there, a DUI charge just keeps getting worse. If you’re convicted, even if it’s your first DUI charge, you’ll have to pay a minimum of approximately $2,000 ($390 base fine, plus $1,200 of ordinary penalty assessments, and additional DUI-only assessments). In addition you’ll have to pay for a 3, 6 or 9 month alcohol treatment program, depending on how high your blood alcohol level was at the time of your arrest. This will cost you about $500.
Maximum 1st DUI costs
If there were certain aggravating factors in your case – perhaps your blood alcohol level was extremely high, a child was in your vehicle while you were DUI, you caused an accident while DUI on injured someone other than yourself – you can expect the penalties in your DUI case to increase dramatically, even if it’s your first offense.
Maximum 1st DUI costs can equal $4400 or more ($1,000 base fine, over $2600 in penalty assessments, plus installation of an ignition interlock device on your car, which costs about $800). You’ll also have to pay storage fees for your car, which will be impounded for 30 days.
2nd DUI minimum and maximum costs
If you are convicted of a DUI for the 2nd time in 10 years, costs soar even more. The minimum sentence includes fines of about $2,000, and you’ll be required to install an ignition interlock device (about $800 per car). You’ll also have to pay for an 18- or 30-month alcohol treatment program, which costs around $1,800. Maximum 2nd time DUI fines total about $3,000. In addition, you’ll have to pay impoundment storage fees for your vehicle for 30 days, and for the installation of ignition interlock devices on all your vehicles ($800 per car).
Don’t be a victim of California’s harsh DUI laws!
The most effective way to avoid a conviction on a DUI charge and keep your money where it’s supposed to be – in your bank account – is to enlist the DUI defense services of Attorney Dan Chambers of the Chambers Law Firm. Come speak with him about your DUI case and he’ll be glad to answer your questions and concerns. He’ll offer you highly qualified legal advice and representation throughout your case, and work hard to achieve the most favorable outcome.
All prospective clients should call 714-760-4088, email dchambers@clfca.com, or use the chat box below to schedule their free case evaluation with Attorney Chambers now.
