CNBC ran an article recently concerning the true financial costs of a garden-variety DUI case. $20,000.00 was the estimate. From the article:
“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.
Potential expenses from a DUI — first offense
You don’t even have to get convicted to start running up expenses on a DUI charge. But if you’re found guilty, a first offense could mean that last drink cost you dearly. While the amounts vary by location and specific circumstances, here are some of the expenses you may realize:
• Fines. • Court costs.
• Attorney fees. • Bail.
• Loss of job. • DUI “school.”
• Temporary loss of income. • Car towing, impounding.
• Alternate transportation costs. • Car ignition interlock device.
• Periodic blood testing. • Monthly monitoring fees.
• Cost of incarceration. • Increased auto insurance premiums.
The financial impact of a DUI arrest on any one person can vary greatly depending on many factors, such as driving record, jurisdiction, blood-alcohol level, attorney fees and fines, not to mention the specific circumstances of the incident and whether there was an accident or if anyone was injured.
The financial impacts of a DUI conviction in Kansas or Missouri are serious and burdensome. I have seen many people make the decision not to make the up front investment in obtaining quality legal representation for the DUI case with the idea that pleading guilty will be quicker and cheaper than hiring and attorney and fighting the case. This is usually a huge mistake.
There is a saying, “there is nothing more expensive than a cheap lawyer”. Our law firm has been able to prevent clients from incurring massive and recurring expenses, or to greatly minimize expenses, by getting in a case early and getting to work. You get what you pay for. While our clients might not have enjoyed paying for an attorney up front, a small investment up front is better than spending $20,000.00 over several years and having a DUI conviction on your record.