DUI Charges Provide A Stiff Whack In The Wallet For California Offenders

If you are arrested in California on a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) youd better be prepared to part with a substantial amount of your cash reserve. Typically, first-time offenders convicted of drinking and driving end up shelling out between $7,000 and $10,000, according to Orange County Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

California is said to have some of the countrys stiffest laws against operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol. The California Drivers Handbook estimates that first-time offender will pay around $10,000 in fees, fines and other charges, and these costs will likely be higher.

In addition, costs will increase substantially for those involved in a motor vehicle accident while under the influence of alcohol, in infractions that occur with a minor in the car, and for second or subsequent DUI convictions.

Some of the costs youll face as a first-time offender include bail or bond, which can run anywhere from $150 to more than $2,000. Impounding and towing fees for your car can range from $100 to $1,000 or more, depending on how long your vehicle remains impounded, and the method of charging drivers for towing vehicles in the city where your violation occurred. If your car remain in the impound yard over the time limit established by the municipality, it can be auctioned off. However, towing fees can be avoided if a passenger in the car, who has not been drinking, can drive the car away from the scene of the violation.

Whether or not you are convicted of the charge, as a Laguna Beach DUI attorney will assure you, merely getting arrested for DUI will make your insurance premiums go up. In the worst-case scenario, your insurer will drop you as a client. Be prepared to pay an additional $5,000 over the course of three years, and dont expect to qualify for “preferred driver status” with your insurer until at least five years after the violation – and thats if you record five years of incident-free driving.

Fines and fees youll face in California vary by the county jurisdiction where your trial is held and are at the discretion of the court. Expect to pay anywhere from $1,400 to $18,000 in fines if you are convicted of a DUI offense in California.

Your legal fees can vary widely depending upon where your trial is held. As an Irvine DUI attorney might advise you, assuming that your violation took place in that region, legal fees can range from $300 for an immediate guilty plea to $25,000 or more for a comprehensive criminal defense.

On top of all of these charges, youll likely pay fees for your probation, alcohol education classes, driving school classes, alcohol evaluation services, and victims compensation fund, among many other charges you will incur.

Overall, its best to understand that if you choose to drink and drive, you must be prepared to pay dearly for your indiscretions.

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