How Much a First-Offense DUI Costs

We all grow up learning about the dangers of drinking and driving. A DUI offense can lead to personal, professional, legal, and financial troubles. However, knowing this doesn’t necessarily tell you the real cost of drinking and driving. If you receive a DUI charge, you’ll face fees and fines from a number of different sources. Even if you don’t end up with a conviction, these expenses can add up to thousands of dollars. Of course, these prices vary depending on where you live and other circumstances surrounding your case. Learn more about how much a first-offense DUI costs with this overview.

What You’re Paying For

You already know a DUI will cost you money, but what exactly are you paying for? Many expenses might come up during a first-offense DUI. You might have to pay bail, court fines, or attorney fees, which can range from a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars. Depending on your sentence, you might also have to spend money on alcohol education courses or an ignition interlock device. You can also expect to see an increase in your auto insurance premium, especially if you receive an SR22 insurance requirement. Fortunately, you can save money on this last expense by letting Serenity Group find you the best SR22 insurance quotes in California or any other state with an SR22 requirement.

Factors that Affect the Cost

The cost of a DUI can vary greatly depending on your circumstances. Factors such as the state in which you live or your blood alcohol content level can affect the price and outcome of your DUI charge. If you choose to go to trial, you’ll likely pay more in court and attorney fees, but you might save money by avoiding a conviction. Whether or not you caused an accident or property damage will also affect the cost of your DUI. For example, if you get into a minor wreck, you might still have to pay for car repairs, a towing service, and other expenses.

Keep in mind that this guide only covers how much a first-offense DUI costs. Most states are more lenient with first offenders, which means a second DUI or other major traffic violation can cost you much more. This is why your first DUI should also be your last one. If you take responsibility for your situation and stay on top of your payments and requirements, you can get through this period of your life and avoid paying even more in the long run.