When you think about the monetary costs of a DUI, are you taking into account every aspect of your life that will be impacted by a conviction? Short-term expenses are not the only way that driving under the influence can affect your finances, and having a complete picture of what this charge means can help you to make informed decisions as you prepare for your case.
Being charged with a DUI in California means you’ll be paying for more than just court costs or attorney’s fees. There are long-term expenses that will continue to take a toll on your finances even after your criminal case is over.
Short-term DUI Costs
There are multiple ways to incur significant costs after being charged with driving under the influence. Below are some of the most common expenses that drivers face in California DUI cases.
Bail
Drivers arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in Orange County will likely be required to post bail before being released. The Orange County Uniform Bail Schedule sets the bail for a first-time misdemeanor DUI offense at $2,500. Bail for a second offense is $10,000, and a third offense is $15,000. Bail costs are higher if drivers injure someone in an accident while driving under the influence. Your DUI attorney may be able to have bail waived if no injuries were reported.
Fines and Court Costs
Courts may require drivers convicted of DUI to pay up to $1,000 in fines. However, this cost is often higher due to the penalty assessment. For repeat offenses, the fines are often even higher. In addition, some courts require drivers convicted of DUI to make monetary contributions to alcohol awareness groups and nonprofits.
Legal Fees
Paying legal fees on top of the other mounting costs may not seem favorable initially. Still, the consequences of losing your DUI case because you were unprepared and unrepresented will be much more damaging. An experienced DUI attorney can save you money on court costs, penalties, sanctions, and fines, so choosing the right one is vital to your case.
Vehicle and Towing Costs
Unless you can get a friend or family member to drive your car home after your DUI arrest, it will likely be towed to an impound lot. The towing and storage costs will be yours to cover if you want your car back. How far you are from the impound lot and how long your car must be stored on the lot will determine the total costs, but it is not uncommon for these fees to reach thousands of dollars. In addition, if you are in an accident, you may need to pay at least a portion of the repair costs.
DMV Fees
Your license will be suspended or revoked when you are arrested for driving under the influence. When the suspension period ends, you will need to pay a $125 reissue fee to the Department of Motor Vehicles to reinstate your license.
Ignition Interlock Device
You may be able to have restricted driving privileges during your license suspension, which is important in Orange County because reliable transportation is vital for many people to get to work and school and to run errands. If you’ve been arrested for DUI in California, you will likely be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle if you want to continue driving. Costs for an IID include an initial installation fee, monthly fees, and recalibration fees. Drivers may end up paying as much as $100 per month for these devices.
Long-term DUI Costs
Even after the initial expenses of a criminal conviction, DUIs bring numerous costs that could create stress and challenges for years to come. A criminal history, years of probation, and a rise in car insurance costs will weigh on you financially as you try to put your life back together after a DUI conviction.
Insurance Costs
Even a first-time conviction can cause a driver’s insurance premiums to double, leading to additional costs for up to 10 years. If you were involved in an accident while driving under the influence, you should expect your car insurance costs to increase even more.
Employment Difficulties
Commercial drivers and other people who drive for a living may lose their jobs as a result of a DUI conviction. Even if your job does not involve driving, an extended time away from work when serving jail time or attendance issues due to a lack of transportation can put your employment at risk.
Probation
Probation is a common component of DUI sentencing in California, and it can interfere with your daily activities. Having to constantly consider whether something you are about to do is prohibited on probation is stressful, not to mention the costs of making special arrangements to meet conditions such as required alcohol programs. When on probation, you must be careful to avoid violating any of the terms because violations can lead to a jail sentence.
Effective DUI Defense from an Experienced Santa Ana DUI Attorney
Mitigating the financial impact caused by a DUI conviction is an important factor when you’re preparing for the legal road ahead. The cost of a qualified attorney is money well-spent when you consider the consequences of proceeding unrepresented.
Sheny Gutierrez has been representing clients in Santa Ana and the surrounding areas for over 15 years. Contact him today to schedule your free consultation.