Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) will land you in big legal trouble. Possible penalties include jail time and loss of license, both of which can impact your freedom.
DUIs also cause financial issues, which can become quite expensive rather quickly. In addition to fines, there are also many other expenses to deal with. Here are a few common costs that accompany DUI.
Substance abuse/safe driving classes
Many people convicted of DUI must take classes on the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of safe driving. You must pay any fees associated with these classes. Additionally, completing classes is often part of your legal requirements, and failure to do so can result in jail time and other punishments.
Impounding
After the arrest, the police will have your car towed and impounded. It is up to you to pay the costs related to impounding to have the vehicle returned to you. Every day your vehicle is inside the lot will increase the charges, and daily fees are typically quite costly.
Court costs
In addition to the costs of hiring an attorney, there are many other administrative fees you must pay. You will also likely need to pay some sort of fine, which varies according to the nature of the charge. In some instances, a person may also need to pay restitution to the victims to cover property damage and other issues related to the DUI.
Other costs can also factor into the process. Your insurance rate is bound to go up after the conviction, and you may even lose your coverage. You will also need to cover costs related to alternative forms of transportation if you no longer have driving privileges.