Most people view driving under the influence (DUI) charges as minor if they are cited by haven’t caused a crash. The vast majority of DUI charges relate to a technical violation of the law rather than active harm caused to other people.
Many drivers accused of a DUI offense make the mistake of entering a guilty plea immediately. They expect lenient sentencing if they cooperate with the courts. They may believe that the cost of retaining legal representation to fight DUI charges exceeds the benefits they may derive. In reality, DUI charges tend to cost far more than people expect. The following are three of the most concerning potential economic consequences of a DUI conviction.
Increased insurance costs
A DUI charge can have a major impact on car insurance costs. A driver with a DUI conviction may face a 46% increase in their policy costs. In some cases, insurance providers refuse to continue providing coverage to a driver with a DUI, especially if this was not their first conviction.
The cost of a license suspension
A driver’s license suspension is a standard DUI penalty. It can be a very costly consequence. For the duration of the suspension, the motorist likely has to pay for alternate transportation, such as rideshare services or taxis. On-demand transportation can be quite costly. The alternative might entail carpooling, getting rides from friends or relying on public transportation. Those alternatives can be costly too, as they can make the individual without a license unreliable. Being unable to get to work on time could lead to a termination or might at least affect someone’s opportunities for advancement in the future.
Fines and court costs
One of the criminal penalties the courts May impose after a DUI conviction is a sizable fine. The prior record of the driver determines the amount of the fine. Guilty pleas or convictions also usually lead to an order to pay court costs. The time required in court can add thousands of dollars total expense of a DUI charge.
Adding up the total financial impact of a DUI conviction could help people see the value in fighting their charges. Those who avoid a DUI conviction don’t have to worry about insurance rate increases, job loss and other economic damage related to their charges.