The total cost may be over ten thousand dollars.
If you are stopped for a DUI in California, what is your first thought? That you’re worried about losing your license? That you don’t want to spend the night in jail? That you’ll be embarrassed? What you might not think about is that a California DUI can be extremely expensive — often costing thousands of dollars.
As a DUI defense attorney Orange County, CA, Dan E. Chambers can break down the costs of a DUI, including the fines and fees. For example, a California DUI conviction may result in:
- A fine of $390 to $1,000
- Penalties and assessments: up to $2,000
- DUI school costs: $600 to $1,800
- Booking fee (if arrested): $200 to $400
- License Reinstatement: $125
There may even be other expenses, such as the cost of an ankle monitor or an ignition interlock device (IID). Taken together, it isn’t unusual for a first-time DUI offender to spend over $3,000 on a DUI conviction — and that is without hiring a DUI defense attorney Orange County, CA or considering the ancillary costs of a DUI.
The reality of a California DUI is that it isn’t just something that you plead guilty to, and then you’re finished with it. A DUI conviction follows you — and it can cost you. One of the most obvious ways is through increased car insurance costs. Over the course of 10 years (the time it takes for a DUI to fall off your driving record), you will pay approximately $10,000 in extra car insurance premiums if you are convicted of a California DUI. And of course, it can impact your livelihood, preventing you from working, going to school or doing any number of things that you want to accomplish in life — causing untold amounts of financial harm.
Based on these numbers, a California DUI conviction can easily cost you $13,000 (or more!). What does this tell you? First, that the best course of action is to never drink and drive. Plan for a designated driver, or spend the money for an Uber, Lyft or even a hotel room. Even if there is surge pricing in effect, it will almost certainly cost less than what you will spend on a DUI. And more importantly, you won’t be putting yourself or anyone else at risk by drinking and driving.
Second, if you are arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, hire an experienced DUI defense attorney Orange County, CA. While some may balk at the expense of retaining a lawyer, being convicted of a DUI will likely be even more expensive. A skilled attorney can investigate your case, and work with the prosecutor to potentially have the charges reduced or even dismissed. In this way, the cost of an attorney will be more than worth if you can avoid the heavy fines, penalties, assessments and other costs associated with being convicted of a California DUI.
At the Chambers Law Firm, we work hard to help our clients get justice. If you have been arrested for a DUI, we can help. Contact us today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free consultation.
