Being charged with a DUI can cost you a lot of money, especially if you are convicted. Not only do you have to post bail, but you may also have hefty fines to pay if you are found guilty. But bail and fines are not the only things that will affect your wallet after a DUI. Here are a few other fees and charges that people who are charged with DUIs typically have to pay.
Car-impound lot fees
Your car was towed to an impound lot after your arrest. You will need to pay the impound lot in full before they will release your car to you, and they will probably require cash or a money order. Unless you had cash on you when you were pulled over and arrested, you will need to withdraw money from an ATM or go to a bank before you go to the impound lot. If money orders are the only form of payment the impound lot takes, you'll need to find someplace to get a money order.
The cost of hiring a taxi or finding alternate transportation
Unless the impound lot is right next to the police station, you may need to call a taxi or a friend or family member to take you to get your car. Taxis, of course, charge and typically want cash as payment. A friend or family member may want to charge you for their time and the gas they use, especially if this sort of thing happens often. Don't forget there's a lot of driving around you may need to do before you pick up your vehicle, so it's a good idea to plan accordingly.
Attorney fees
The attorney will also need to be paid what is called a retainer. This is a specific amount of money your attorney will require before he or she starts working on your case. The lawyer's court costs and hourly rate will be taken from the remainder of the retainer until there is no more money left in your account. This should correlate with the amount of work and time the attorney will take on your case. However, if the case is prolonged for any reason or complex issues come to light, you may need to pay additional money to your lawyer. Call firms such as Winstein, Kavensky & Cunningham, LLC. to see how they assess rates.
Cancellation fees
Your driver's license may be revoked, or else you may need to get an amended driver's license (which also has a cost). An amended driver's license means you will only be allowed to drive to and from work and to and from medical appointments. You will not be able to drive around for any other reason. This may mean you'll need to cancel your gym and club memberships, and this can sometimes result in cancellation fees.
Higher insurance premiums
When it's time to renew your driver's license, your insurance company will be aware of your DUI arrest, which means your insurance premiums will probably increase substantially. The reason for this is that your car-insurance company now considers you to be a high-risk driver. If your driver's license was revoked or amended, you'll need to show proof of car insurance before your regular driver's license will be reinstated.
Cost of an ignition interlock system
One condition of your conviction may be that you will be required to have an ignition interlock system installed in your vehicle. This is a device that will allow your vehicle to start only when you breathe into a machine that is connected to your ignition and your breath is free of alcohol. This device costs money to install. There will be a monthly service charge to have this device in your vehicle.
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