PAYING UP AFTER A DUI: THE MONETARY COSTS OF DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

Before you decide to get behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence, you should really consider exactly what it could cost you - aside from the fact that you could cause a deadly accident. If you are not ready to spend thousands of dollars, you may want to think twice before driving under the influence.

Attorney's fees are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what you will be financially responsible for. There are a variety of additional fees, fines and expenses that will come along with your defense.

The following will provide you with an idea of the kind of expenses you can expect to pay when you are convicted of a DUI. Keep in mind that exact figures are not provided because monetary amounts will vary from person to person and state to state. However, here's a general overview of what to expect.

As a first-time DUI offender, you can expect to pay a pretty penny in court costs. The initial fines can cost upward of a few hundred dollars. Additional penalties can easily cost a few thousand dollars. For habitual offenders, you could easily face penalties in the five-figure range.

Once you are found guilty of a DUI, you may have to attend driving school in order to begin the process of reinstating your driving privileges. Most schools will last for several months, depending on how many DUI offenses you have committed.

Driving school costs will vary, depending on which school you attend and the cost of tuition they deem appropriate. Some schools will only charge a few hundred dollars, while others can charge over $1,000 in tuition.

No matter what, it is best to hire an attorney to defend you if you are charged with a DUI. The cost of your legal expenses will depend on the attorney you choose, so there is no way to know exactly how much it will cost.

The fees charged will depend on a variety of factors, such as if it is your first offense, if you need any expert witnesses or if your DUI resulted in the death or serious injury of another person. Additionally, the notoriety and legal expertise held by your attorney will also factor into your costs.

If you are not involved in an accident and your vehicle is still drivable at the time of your arrest, your car will be impounded by the police. In order to get your car back, you are going to have to pay the impoundment fees. This will include the fees for towing the vehicle to the impoundment lot as well as a daily storage rate for each day that it is in their possession.

The lot may also charge a release fee in order for you to retrieve your car. Your total costs will depend on how long your car remains impounded. For two days, you can expect to easily pay several hundred dollars. The rate will only go up each day your car remains impounded, so it is best to get it as soon as you can.

These are the primary fees you can expect to pay when you are dealing with a DUI. However, this does not begin to touch on all of the additional expenses you may have to pay, such as insurance increases, time missed from work, reinstating your driver's license and paying for transportation after you're no longer allowed to drive.

If you are dealing with a DUI charge, contact James M. Whorley for help with your case.