Why Are DUIs So Expensive?
Driving under the influence (DUI) comes with a hefty price tag, averaging around $10,720 for a first-time offense. This substantial financial burden doesn’t even account for additional expenses like lost wages during incarceration or potential costs for car repairs if an accident occurred. The implications of driving drunk extend far beyond the legal penalties, making it imperative for individuals facing DUI charges to consider seeking legal representation to potentially reduce or dismiss the charges, minimizing the overall impact on their finances and future.
The average cost of a DUI includes:
- Conviction fine
- Bail
- Alcohol treatment evaluation
- Donations to the Victim Assistance Fund, Victim Impact Panel, Victim Compensation Fund, Brain Injury Fund and more
- Car storage fees
- Detox
- Towing fees
- Court costs
- Auto insurance increase
- New driver’s license or reinstatement of your suspended license
- Ignition interlock device
And there’s more, but you get the picture.
How Can I Minimize the Costs of My DUI?
The key to minimizing the costs of DUI is to seek legal help. An attorney can help you make your case to the judge, and that help may result in a reduction or dismissal of the charges against you. One such method is a plea bargain, where you plead guilty to a lesser charge, such as driving. At the same time, ability impaired (DWAI) to reduce your penalties. Your attorney may be able to convince the courts to give you simple alcohol education courses, and probation instead or demonstrate that your DUI was a fluke occurrence and that you are otherwise an upstanding, lawful citizen. These efforts can help reduce your fines and penalties.
Our Denver DUI lawyers are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients throughout Colorado.
DUIs aren’t cheap. Did you know that the cost of an average first-time DUI is $10,720? And that’s just the purely fiscal side, not including lost wages from incarceration or expenses for car repairs (assuming there was an accident). That’s a lot to throw away by driving drunk – and all the more reason to seek out an attorney to try to have your charges reduced or dismissed.
Do you have further questions or concerns? Call us or contact the attorneys at Thomas & Ahnell, LLC, and we will be happy to help.