If you’re under arrest for driving under the influence in California, you’re subject to two different legal proceedings. These include the criminal court hearings and administrative hearings at the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). Apart from the inconveniences, worry, and stress of defending yourself before the DMV or appearing in court, you’ll also have several expenses that could strain your savings. This article educates you about the cost of a DUI arrest, charge, and conviction.
The Real Cost of a DUI
Years back, a publicized research estimated the overall cost of an arrest and conviction for driving while intoxicated to be about $10,000. A DUI isn’t a mere ticket you can resolve by writing the court a check. Its effects follow you for several years and could be costly. Since the study was publicized, the public became more informed of the numerous financial consequences they may be subject to, even just for a DUI arrest. This article updates the $10,000 approximation with a much detailed evaluation.
First of all, you must understand that two DUI offenses can’t be precisely the same—something that seems minor, such as the judge presiding over a case and location of an arrest, could make a significant difference of hundreds of dollars.
Secondly, several factors can make the estimated costs below dramatically higher, for instance, a second or subsequent offense, DUI causing an accident, a violation of DUI probation, DUI with a minor passenger, underage DUI, or a higher BAC (blood alcohol content). The average costs we’ll list are for a first DUI offense without sentencing enhancements. Also, note that the estimates we have provided don’t include fees that the California Highway Patrol (CHP) often charges when they respond to the crime scene. This fee isn’t usually sought in many of the CHP-related cases, but it at times is and is about $650.
Here the approximated fees and expenses:
Vehicle Impound and Towing Fees
If you’re placed under arrest for DUI at the roadside, the arresting officer will have to ensure your auto is towed and stored (impounded) so it isn’t damaged or doesn’t pose any danger to other road users. The average fee for this is $500. However, the longer the vehicle remains in storage, the more you will pay.
Auto Insurance Premium Increases
If you’re caught drug- or drunk-driving, your car insurance charges will increase. First, your insurance provider will increase your premiums since they’ll now consider you a bigger risk on the roads. The judge will also need you to file an SR-22 for three years at the minimum. An SR-22 is proof that you have insurance, and your insurance provider will send it to court for you. However, they’ll charge you to do so. After you no longer need to file proof of insurance, your insurance premiums will drop slightly. And if you prove that you’re once again a responsible motorist, the premiums will be lowered even more. Until then, expect to part with insurance premiums of more than $4,500.
Bail Fee
For misdemeanors with a bail schedule up to $5,000, a jail facility or police department can cite and release you once you’re sober. However, most municipalities consider imposing bail as the means to recover the expenses spent on managing a jail facility. If you’re arrested in this kind of municipality, expect to part with 10 percent of the $5,000 mentioned in the bail schedule to secure your release. This equals $500. The costs may dramatically increase if you’re accused of a second or subsequent offense, facing multiple charges, or you injured another person.
IID (Ignition Interlock Device) Installation
Averagely, an IID costs $2.50 per day, meaning the average monthly cost is approximately $80. Some companies additionally charge an installation fee of about $100. You might also be mandated to pay calibration and maintenance fees for your IID. Therefore, the total average cost is $300.
Attorney Fees
You shouldn’t go up against the prosecution without a lawyer. They’ll increase your chances of having your DUI charges dismissed or, in severe cases, reduced. You’ll have to pay a lawyer to represent you in court. Attorney fees differ among lawyers. Younger lawyers will charge as low as five hundred dollars to represent you for your first DUI offense. On the other hand, highly experienced lawyers may easily charge seven thousand five hundred dollars for the same offense. So, let’s place the average attorney fee at $3,500.
Note that you might save cash on the retainer fee if you go by a public defender’s representation. However, view public defenders as experienced lawyers who work for a completely broken justice system. They do not have the time to spend prepping for your case. Additionally, they can’t represent you at the DMV hearing.
Court Costs
The California DUI law dictates at least $390 and up to $1,000 in fines for a first DUI offense. There are also penalty assessments you need to pay, and this will increase the costs dramatically. The average court cost is $2,000.
DUI Courses
If you are eventually found guilty of DUI, the judge will order you to enroll and complete a DUI program. This program will cost you so much time. You’ll be required to complete 30 hours in three months. Additionally, you’ll have to pay for the course yourself. The average fee is $650. The time and cost requirement will increase if you are a subsequent offender or there are any other aggravating factors in your case.
License Reinstatement Fee
If you are caught driving under the influence, the DMV will suspend your license. To have it returned to you, you’ll need to pay a reinstatement fee, which is $125 at the minimum.
Other costs include:
- Booking and fingerprint fees are $330 (it varies from one city to another).
- Mother Against Drunk Driving (MADD) class costs $35.
- Lost earnings because of court and classes cost you $1,500 (it varies from one person to another).
- Hospital and Morgue (HAM) Program costs $120.
If you must make bail to secure your release from jail, you may be required to pay an additional two thousand dollars apart from the bail amount mentioned above. If you choose to take your case to trial, a lawyer may need you to pay them anywhere between $3,500 and $15,000 beyond and above the attorney cost approximated above. Should you decide to have your blood sample re-tested, you could part with more money ranging between $150 and $350. If you must hire a private investigator, you will have to pay them a fee of $1,000 too.
If you lose your DMV hearing (this isn’t uncommon) and choose to file an appeal, the cost for this appeal is a hundred and twenty dollars. Most lawyers file this appeal for free, but some will charge to do so, and the charges can go up to one thousand five hundred dollars.
It’s natural to go over these fees and try to lower them where possible. One common area DUI arrestees try saving money on is a lawyer. This could be hurtful to your case. You don’t expect a lawyer who charges extremely low fees to spend much time on your case if someone else wants them on theirs. The same lawyer who charges less might be inexperienced. Therefore, he/she may fail to give a proper defense in areas of your case that’ll minimize the other costs. A more skilled lawyer will identify helpful facts and defenses.
A good, expert lawyer who frequently attends court may make a significant difference when it comes to the costs you’re facing. This kind of lawyer is worth your money, particularly if your case is reduced to a dry or wet reckless, or better yet, dismissed. A charge reduction or dismissal can make you avoid classes, substantial fees, and, often, the HAM or MADD programs.
Find A DUI Lawyer Who Can Calculate DUI Costs Near Me
The fees mentioned above vary from one geographical area to another or from one city to another. The ideal way of knowing what your DUI case will cost you is by speaking to a knowledgeable DUI defense lawyer. The attorney will evaluate your case, including the details of your arrest, and estimate what you are likely to incur overall.
At The Law Offices of Ross Howell Sobel, if you seek our help, we will first review every fact and detail surrounding your case thoroughly before giving you a cost estimate. We’ll also tell you the expert witnesses you’ll need for your case and on what days you will be required to attend court. Our work won’t stop there. Also, we will ensure we build a solid defense strategy that will help you achieve the best possible outcome, so you don’t have to part with a lot of money in fees. Call us today at 818-582-2350 if you want to speak to a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley.
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