For a first-time DUI, fines can reach as high as $1,800.
Many people arrested for their first DUI may believe that it is not a big deal, and that they can move forward without an attorney. As a general rule, first-time DUIs are misdemeanor offenses, so many arrestees believe that they can just plead guilty to move forward with their lives. However, even a first-time DUI offense can have serious consequences — including high fines that could be as high as $1,800.
As experienced DUI lawyers in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, we know how heavy the consequences of a first-time DUI can be. This includes mandatory DUI school, a license suspension, potential jail time, community service, fines and penalties. Read on to learn more about one aspect of these consequences: DUI fines.
Misdemeanor DUI Costs
In most cases, a first-time DUI is charged as a misdemeanor. If you are convicted of a DUI, you will be facing fines ranging from $390 to $1,000. But on top of those fines, you will be required to pay additional costs and fees.
The California Legislature mandates that courts assess various costs against people convicted of DUI offenses. These costs and assessments can significantly increase the total cost of a DUI, up to $1,800 in total for a first-time DUI offense.
A second or third DUI can increase the base fine significantly, which will then increase the total cost of a DUI. The fine that you pay is determined by the facts of your case, such as whether you were extremely intoxicated, speeding or had a child in the car with you. A misdemeanor DUI that causes injury, for example, has a maximum base fine of $5,000.
Beyond fines, costs and assessments, you will also bear the burden of paying for the additional penalties. That includes the fees for DUI school, costs of an ignition interlock device, vehicle impoundment fees, and the costs associated with getting a restricted license or having your license reinstated after you complete the terms of your DUI schedule. A DUI may also have additional costs, such as the added expense of car insurance for a high-risk driver, or the funds necessary to pay for taxis, Ubers or public transportation when you cannot drive due to a license suspension.
A DUI conviction can have an incredibly high price, both in terms of actual costs and the impact on your life. It is a criminal conviction that can affect many aspects of your life, from your ability to get a job to being able to travel outside of the country. That is why it is so important to have a skilled DUI lawyer. In Rancho Cucamonga, CA, contact the Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com. We will aggressively defend you against the DUI charges, putting together the strongest possible defenses to the charges. We will work to have the charges reduced or dismissed if possible, and will keep you informed through each step of the process. Initial consultations are always free!
