A DUI has more costs associated with it than merely the financial. It is an emotionally stressful situation that can lead to future insecurities behind the wheel, embarrassment at work, termination from your job, and it can affect relationships with family members. Even if we ignore the emotional costs, the looming financial burden cannot be ignored. 
At our firm, we have flat fees for our involvement and for litigation. On top of those fees are court costs and fines. Again, these costs and fines vary in range. Depending on the number of prior DUIs on your record within the past 20 years.
Outside of the court costs, you may have to pay for an overnight treatment program and substance abuse classes if you get convicted of a DUI and your license will be suspended; so you also will have to pay the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) a $475 fee to reinstate your license.
You may be ordered to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. This device forces you to blow into it before starting your vehicle in order for it to detect your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). And as you probably guessed, this machine comes at a high cost. Installation, alone is about $120, and then you’ll have to pay between $80 and $100 a month to have the device in your vehicle.
Lastly, you’ll have to deal with your car insurance rates spiking. This varies based on your provider and previous driving record, but it is not cheap.
A DUI is a lot of financial trouble when you take into account the costs associated with a conviction, including:
- Mandatory minimum fines
- Court costs
- Probation fees
- Ignition interlock device
- Random urine screenings
- Inpatient or out-patient treatment for substance abuse 9 License reinstatement fees
- Restricted license plates
- Vehicle immobilization
- Vehicle forfeiture
- Increased insurance premiums or an SR-22 bond
The financial costs associated with a DUI can be reduced or avoided by hiring an experienced attorney to challenge your arrest and the evidence and fight to either avoid a conviction, obtain a favorable negotiated plea arrangement, or to obtain a minimum sentence when a conviction cannot be avoided. If you receive a lesser sentence, the fines may be cheaper, and you may avoid additional costs for an interlock device or an extremely spiked insurance rate. You may also be eligible for an inpatient locked up treatment facility instead of jail.
Are you or someone you know facing DUI / OVI charges?
If you are facing DUI charges, you need to speak with an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible. The Law Offices of Steven R. Adams is recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, The Best Lawyers in America, National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and is one of U.S. News' Best Law Firms. Please contact us online or call our Cincinnati office directly at 513-929-9333 to schedule your free consultation.
