The Cost Of A DUI
Driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics is something that millions of Americans do each year. Nearly 1.1 million Americans were arrested for driving under the influence in 2015 alone. Being caught driving under the influence can have a big impact on a person's life. Not only can an arrest stay on a person's record and impact their future, but a DUI charge can also have a major financial impact as well. Here are three expenses that often have to be dealt with after getting a DUI:
Attorney's Fees
For many, hiring an attorney is the first step after getting charged with a DUI. Attorney's fees can vary depending on the attorney and on the client. If it's the client's first DUI, the costs will likely be lower. The average cost of attorney fees ranges from $1,070 to $2,410 for defending a DUI case. Most often the lawyer will charge a flat fee. Some DUI cases go to trial while others do not. The exact process can vary depending on the circumstances and state in which the DUI charge was given.
Court Fines And Other Costs
It's not just attorney's fees that a driver will need to deal with after a DUI. Court fees, license reinstatement fees, and alcohol education classes can easily cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Court fees and fines alone can range from $200 to $2,000. Driver's education classes cost around $650. In most states, the driver will lose their license for a certain amount of time after the DUI. This can mean lost wages and other issues that can lead to a decrease in income.
Insurance
One of the biggest and longest lasting financial setbacks that can occur from a DUI is an increase in car insurance. After getting a driver gets a DUI, insurance companies are taking on more risk by insuring them. Thus the premiums go up. How much they increase can vary by state, insurance company, and the driver's overall driving record. The first year after getting a DUI, drivers can expect their premiums to go up by 94.13% on average. Even three years later, drivers can expect to be paying 63.47% more on average. The impacts of a DUI on car insurance can take years to disappear.
A DUI can be a life-changing even both personally and financially. Attorney's fees and court fees can easily cost thousands of dollars. There are also long-term expenses associated with a DUI. Higher insurance premiums can stick around for years, costing thousands of dollars. Contact a law office like Boehmer Law for more information and assistance.