Getting charged or arrested for Driving Under Influence can have cascading effects, one that can rob you off pretty good. Even if you are a first-time offender of DUI, the overall costs of a DUI conviction can add up to more than $1000 in most cases.
Here is an estimate of the total cost-benefit of hiring a DUI lawyer.
DUI Fines And Penalties
The finest and penalties levied vary depending on your BAC level in most countries. These penalties can range anything between $300 and $1000.
Ignition Interlock Devices
IID or ignition interlock device is a mobile Breathalyzer device that the court can mandate for you to use before you start driving on roads again. The driver is required to submit his breath by blowing the help of IID before he can start his car ignition. This device is installed for around $150. Further, you may have to pay monthly fees for at least four months, adding up to about $500 as IID costs.
Alcohol School And Community Programs
A DUI conviction also requires the driver to complete compulsory alcohol rehabilitation programs. The individual also bears the cost of such programs.
The cost of attending such programs can range from $100 to $500.
Reinstating The Driving License
Getting arrested or charged with DUI may also result in the suspension of your driving license. Getting it reinstated means either attending a hearing or visiting a DMV office. A driving license reinstated fees costs around $150, whereas hearing fees costs between $300 and $400.
Insurance Fees
Getting car insurance becomes the most difficult if you have a DUI arrest on your driving record. In the worst case, the insurance company may even refuse to provide insurance to drivers with multiple DUI convictions in their record.
This is because DUI arrest entails that the driver is a reckless or high-risk driver. This will be a problem for the insurance company as they will have to cover the cost more frequently. For this reason, insurance companies raise the amount of premium (up to a 180% increase) when providing car insurance to such high-risk drivers.
For a safe and clean driver, the insurance company provides insurance within $800 per year. However, for risky drivers, this amount may double or triple. So, on average, you may have to pay $2500 more for at least three years or until you stay away from trouble for an appreciable time.
Towing, Release, And Storage Fees
Getting arrested for DUI also results in getting your car towed. The cost for towing is paid from your pocket as well. Towing fees may cost around $150. After that, getting it un-towed will cost you another $150. Plus, if the car stays with the towing company for a few days, you may also have to pay storage fees amounting to $50 per day.
Transportation Fees
Though minimal, transportation fees can also add up to a ton. Meanwhile, when you don’t have your vehicle or your driving license, you may have to use alternative transportation for your daily commute. This would cost around $20 to $50 per day.
Bailing Costs
Are you getting arrested after a DUI conviction? Bailing you out may cost a fortune as well. The bail cost varies from $150 to $10,000. Also, DUI arrest goes into your criminal records.
Lost Wages
In this whole ordeal, you may lose your job or lose your salary for a while. This will further add to your costs.
In total, the cost associated with a DUI conviction will range from $1000 to $6000.
Hiring A DUI Lawyer in Greenville, SC
The cost-benefit of hiring a DUI lawyer comes into play now. An experienced DUI lawyer can help in eliminating most of these costs. If not, he can help you save at least half of this amount.
The cost of hiring a DUI lawyer can vary. DUI attorneys with hourly rates can cost you more. However, hiring a DUI attorney on a flat fee or commission basis is more economical.
A DUI lawyer will help in:
- Slashing down your car insurance premium amount (saving $3000 at least)
- Dropping the penalties and fines (saving $500 on average)
- Reducing your charge from DUI conviction to reckless driving
- Reduce your jail time and bail amount
- Providing adequate evidence to prevent your arrest in the first place
- Preventing the case from going to trial (saving $1000 as trial fees)
If you are not a first-time DUI offender, the cost associated with a DUI conviction can double in no time. This is the reason it is recommended to make the most out of the cost-benefit of hiring a DUI lawyer.