Average Cost for a DUI Conviction

DUIs are expensive. There’s no doubt about it: anyone convicted of a DUI will, in the vast majority of cases, faces fees that can be absolutely staggering. Court systems have grown frustrated with the crime and the back-up of cases that are overflowing in city dockets, and steadily-climbing fees are the result. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, of course. A DUI is a serious offense with the potential for serious harm to property as well as human life – yours as well as those of other people.

Average Cost for DUI Charges 

Exactly how much a DUI costs the offender will vary a great deal on a case-by-case basis. Different states have different laws for DUI penalties, meaning that fines and fees vary and there isn't necessarily an average cost for a DUI conviction. They are also based upon factors such as the severity of the situation, any past offenses, the level of intoxication, and even the particular judge that oversees the case. Therefore, it’s virtually impossible to estimate exactly what a DUI conviction might cost for any one individual.
 
Having said that, listed below are just a few average fees for some common components to a DUI arrest. If you ever find yourself tempted to drink and drive, consider these along with the threat to safety.

• Fines and Court Fees: typically from $500 to $1,200. Costs vary by state and depending on whether your case goes to trial.
• Alcohol Evaluation and Education: Most DUI convictions require alcohol use evaluation for approximately $200, and some require training and education courses, which the offender has to cover to the tune of $500 to $1,000.
• Bail: Were you arrested? If so, getting bailed out can cost anywhere from $100 to a few thousand dollars.
• Towing: Your car was probably towed from the scene of the arrest, and it will likely cost you around $200 to get it out of impound.
• Insurance: Your insurance costs will skyrocket as soon as the company covering you as a driver learns about your DUI. Insurance costs can go up for incidents as simple as small fender-bender accidents; imagine what happens to them with a DUI. You may even lose your policy altogether, in which case you’ll have to shop for another one, and the costs of the new one will likely be even higher, since you’re now a high-risk driver.
• Attorney fees: Going into a DUI case without an attorney is a very bad idea, and most attorneys will charge a decent amount for a DUI. If all you want to do is plead guilty, you may get by with a few hundred dollars, but if you want to fight the charges, be prepared to pay for it.

Getting Help

If you want to minimize the costs associated with a DUI, you need a legal advocate. You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible to help you determine the best way to minimize your DUI fines.