What A DUI really means for your Bank Account
Perhaps you aren't aware that drinking and driving is a cash cow for the legal system. Maybe you think that it's just a slap on the wrist and a few fines and then you're back to driving again. If that's what you think, your mind is about to be blown.
According to MSNBC, "A typical DUI costs about $10,000 by the time you pay bail, fines, fees, and insurance, even if you didn't hit anything or hurt anybody." That was back in 2011. A new report by the Automobile Club of Southern California says that a first-time DUI conviction in California can cost you as much as $15,649. Are you under 21? If so, the news is worse: You can expect it to cost you $22,492, according to the same report.
Right. That's a lot more than a slap on the wrist. It's a full-fisted grab into your bank account, and it's one that keeps taking and taking. Here's how some of the costs break down:
- Bail: $150 to $2000.
- Towing: $100 to $300.
- Vehicle Impounding: $100 to $400 depending on the length of impound, and if you don't retrieve your vehicle in 60 days, it can be sold at auction.
- Insurance Increase: Up to $40,000 over a 13-year span, according to DMV.org. Some of this fee is the required SR-22 certification for the first three years. After that, the costs are from increased premiums as compared to the baseline for your age.
- Legal Fees: Up to $25,000. A competent DUI lawyer is going to cost around $4,000, with higher costs for more experienced and high-profile cases.
- Fines: $390 minimum, up to $3,000. The judge may allow you to do community service or jail time instead of paying part of the fine.
- Alcohol and Driving Classes: $550 and 12 to 45 hours, depending on the judge's discretion, on the first offense. A second offense carries 18 months of required classes. The cost for the 18-month class is significantly higher and varies depending on the school.
- Monitoring Devices: $300 to $1,200. Generally, first-offenders are not required to wear a monitoring device. If, however, the judge deems it necessary, these devices are available for rent and will cost about $100 a month plus a security deposit of $200 or more.
- Ignition Lock: $100 to $200 plus monthly rental fees of $70 to $100.
- License Reinstatement Fee: $150.