Drunk Driving Could Cost $20,000
CNBC News. Dec. 14 – Twenty thousand dollars sounds like a lot to pay for a drink at a holiday party, but if that last cocktail puts you over the legal limit, that “one for the road” could easily cost you that or more.
One drink too many puts you at risk for not only an arrest, but also for fees, fines and costs that can run you thousands of dollars. While a DUI or DWI may be a misdemeanor charge in a number of jurisdictions, it’s a matter that most judges and district attorneys take very seriously. The financial toll of a conviction will play out for years to come, and in many states that can add up to $20,000 before everything is over. This includes bail, fines, legal fees, increased auto insurance premiums, loss of work income, court-ordered alcohol education programs and more.
Of course, if you get fired from your job as a result of the arrest, that dollar figure would skyrocket…
The Texas Department of Transportation says a June 2006 survey in that state showed the total costs of a DWI arrest and conviction – for a first time offender with no accident involved – would range from $9,000 to $24,000.
In many states today, you’re better off committing a felony burglary, for example, than a misdemeanor DUI. The difference between .07% and .08% alcohol in your blood could be the difference between a brief detention and a nightmare in the legal system with a $20,000 price tag.
There was another article reporting….
A DUI Arrest Could Cost You $10,000
December 15, 2006 | Posted By Editor Comments / Questions (0) |
MSN Money reports that the total cost of a DUI could run into five figures. Your fine is just the beginning. Costs for a DUI may include: Bail ($150 – $2,500), Towing ($100 – $1,200), High-risk insurance ($4,500 or more), Legal fees ($2,000 – $25,000), Fines ($300 – $1,200), Alcohol evaluation ($181 in Colorado for example), Alcohol evaluation and treatment ($250 – $2,000 for basic treatment), License reinstatement fee ($60 – $250), Miscellaneous fees ($200 and up). You may also suffer penalties outside of the legal system, like losing your job (possibly a life long career)!
Legal fees reported by MSN Money represent fighting your DUI charge. Simply pleading guilty can cost as little as $500 in attorney fees. Pleading guilty, however, may not save you from bail, towing, fines, and alcohol evaluation and treatment costs. If a conviction would amount to a repeat DUI offense, hiring an experienced DUI lawyer may be important.
Whether its $10,000 or $20,000 it is in your best interest to speak with a DUI Defense attorney. You can receive a FREE consultation with Mike if you have been arrested of DUI/DWI in Virginia by contacting our office today. Michael C. Tillotson – DUI Defense Attorney in Virginia. Office 757.969.5197 http://www.VaDUILawyer.com or email at info@vaduilawyer.org
