What is the true cost of a DUI? Even without a lawyer fee, it is still surprisingly costly! If you're convicted of a DUI, there are many fees that come along with it. If you were recently charged with a DUI click HERE to contact our office immediately!
1. Towing of your vehicle
If you cannot have a family member or friend pick up your vehicle after you're arrested for a DUI, your vehicle will be towed. Towing is not a free service you're getting from the local police department. In fact, your initial tow can cost anywhere from $200-$250 from the scene of the incident. On top of this, you'll have to pay an additional fee to have your car released.
2. Bond
For most instances, you will have to post bond depending on your jurisdiction. This fee normally is around $250.
3. Ride home
If nobody is available to pick you up, you'll have to use a ride-sharing service such as Uber or call a taxi to bring you home. This will add another $50 to your total.
4. Challenging a suspension
In Florida, if you get a DUI, your license is immediately suspended for either blowing over or refusing to blow. To challenge this, you must pay a $25 fee. If you do not challenge the suspension and waive your right to a formal review, you'll pay an additional $25 for a hardship hearing. To get a hardship hearing, you'll have to enroll in a DUI school which can cost another $250.
5. Future transportation during suspension
If you face a 6-month suspension for a DUI, you'll have to find a new way to get around. If you do so using Uber or public transportation, you can add an additional couple thousand dollars in transportation costs.
6. License reinstatement fee
Once your suspension has ended, there is yet another fee for your license to be reinstated. This fee is normally $375.
7. Probation supervision fee
If you're found guilty and placed on probation which calls for a supervision, this can cost additional $50 per month.
8. Additional DUI
If you get an additional DUI where you are forced to install an interlock system on your vehicle, you can add another $550. It doesn't look cool to have to blow into a breathalyzer in order to start your vehicle every time!
9. Vehicle impoundment
Required by law if you get a DUI, your car will be booted for 10 days which locks your wheels in place. This will normally cost roughly $100.
10. Victim impact panel
If you're found guilty of a DUI, you normally need to attend a victim impact panel showing you how your decisions can affect other people for another $50.
When you think about all these fees, it is shocking. When you add up the total including court fees, the cost can be upwards of $12,000. Keep in mind, this $12,000 does not include lawyer fees. According to Alcohol.com, the total cost can actually range from $10,000 to $25,000 depending on the severity of the DUI and state you are located in.
Why should you hire a lawyer for a DUI then?
A lawyer who fights for you can help you from paying many of these fees. For a nominal fee, an attorney can save you on the $12,000+ you are facing if found guilty. Here are some reasons why you shouldn't represent yourself in court.
If you have any questions about your DUI, download our book 'What You Must Know About Your DUI Case Before You Do Anything' or call our office at (561) 671-5995.
