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What is the Financial Cost of a DUI in California?
You may not realize how expensive a DUI is until you’re convicted. The financial implications start almost immediately after your arrest and can quickly sprawl into tens of thousands of dollars by the time your case outcome is determined. Lawyers from a San Bernardino law firm delve into the breakdown of the financial implications of a DUI.
While the figures may fluctuate depending on the case specifics, they can easily dent your pockets. Given the high stakes, it’s crucial to choose skilled legal experts to help you beat the charges to avoid most of the financial costs that can follow you long after a conviction. Most importantly, remember it’s better not to drink and drive.
Towing and Impounding Fees
If you’re alone in your vehicle when you get arrested for a DUI, San Bernardino DUI defense lawyers say your car will be towed and impounded at your expense. Typically, towing fees range from $300 to $1,000, depending on the distance the car will be towed. Official impounding fees are charged daily.
The court can decide how many days to impound the car, typically 30 days for a first DUI. The added cost of retrieving the vehicle from the impound lot can quickly escalate into several hundred dollars.
Bail
Once arrested for a DUI, you will likely have to pay bail for your release. The bail amount depends on various factors, such as:
- Prior DUI convictions
- Whether it’s a case of an aggravated DUI
- Your blood alcohol concentration levels
Skilled San Bernardino DUI defense lawyers can represent you during the bail hearing to fight for a fair bail amount. They can fight to waive the bail if the case is a non-injury DUI to expedite your release.
Fines and Court Costs
California courts often impose hefty penalties for DUI offenses. A first DUI can attract a fine of up to $20,000, depending on the circumstances. You also must pay court fees, which could be over $1,000, based on the court’s penalty assessment. A second or subsequent DUI offense can involve higher fines and a contribution to the MADD fund.
Higher Car Insurance Premiums
A DUI conviction could lead to higher auto insurance premium rates because insurance companies consider you a high-risk driver. Several factors can affect how much your interest rates would hike after a DUI. San Bernardino DUI defense lawyers say the following are some factors that influence the changes in insurance rates:
- Your policy
- The number of points on your driving record
- Whether you have prior DUI convictions
- Whether the DUI involved bodily injuries
- Your driving record
If you’re found guilty of a first-time DUI but have an otherwise clean driving record, your insurance rates are likely to increase by between $3,000 and $4,000. The rates will go higher if you have prior DUI convictions or your license was suspended in the past for being a negligent driver.
License Reinstatement Fees and Ignition Interlock Device
Once the license suspension imposed by the court or DMV expires, you must pay to reinstate the license. The reinstatement fee is $125 for a DMV suspension and $50 for a court-ordered suspension.
Besides, you must also install an ignition interlock device (IID) to continue driving during the suspension period. The devices are expensive, and you must sign a contract to make monthly payments of up to $100. Installing the device can cost between $75 and $150, and there is a recalibration fee every 60 days.
Attorney Fees
Defending yourself against DUI charges in California can be complex. It would be best to hire DUI defense lawyers in San Bernardino to increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Attorney fees are often costly and may vary based on the complexity of your case.
For example, if you were arrested with a BAC of 0.08% and were not involved in an accident, your legal fees could be lower if you agree to a plea bargain with the guidance of your lawyers.
However, it could cost you more if you were arrested with a BAC of more than 0.08%, your case involves a vehicular homicide charge, and you deny the charges. Your lawyers would have to put in a lot of work and engage experts who can prove your innocence. The process can take a lot of time and generate many billable hours.
DUI School
You may be sentenced to enroll in a DUI school if convicted of drunk driving in California. The length of the term can vary between a 12-hour to a 30-month program, depending on the severity of the charges.
Enrolling in the school is at your cost, and you will incur more expenses if your program runs for an extended time. However, the state provides fee waivers if you can’t afford to pay. Consult DUI defense lawyers on how to apply for the waiver.
An Experienced DUI Defense Lawyer Providing an Overview of DUI Costs
A DUI conviction in California can be expensive, given the many legal costs associated with the charges. After your arrest, you will pay bail, towing, and court-associated fees. If found guilty, you will pay hefty fines, alcohol education program fees, and IID installation fees. You also could be at risk of higher insurance premiums.
All these costs can set you back financially, and it would be best to avoid a DUI arrest in the first place. However, if you find yourself on the wrong side of the law, let skilled DUI defense attorneys in San Bernardino help you fight the charges to avoid some of these costs.
Patrick Silva, Attorneys at Law, is a law firm with aggressive DUI defense lawyers who can defend you. Call us at 909-500-4819 to schedule a FREE consultation.
