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Breaking down the financial cost of a DUI

On Behalf of | Dec 2, 2022 | Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is taken very seriously in Maryland. If convicted, you stand to lose more than your freedom. You must also deal with the financial implications of a conviction, which may negatively affect your quality of life.

Some of these consequences cut across both first-time and repeat offenders, which is why you need to take your charges seriously even if you have never been convicted. Here are some of the costs you are likely to encounter:

Fines

You may be subject to certain legal penalties, such as fines upon conviction of a DUI in Maryland. The amount ranges depending on the circumstances of your charges. For instance, you may be fined $500 for a first offense, while a repeat offender with aggravating factors may end up with thousands of dollars in fines.

Higher insurance premiums

A DUI conviction can raise your insurance premiums by a significant sum. Drunk driving increases your risk of an accident which explains the higher insurance costs associated with a DUI conviction.

License suspension

A DUI conviction will add points to your license. If these points accumulate to a certain number, you stand to have your license revoked or suspended. A suspended license means that you have to organize alternative means of transport, which can be costly and inconvenient. In addition, you may lose your job if you work as a driver.

Other associated costs

A DUI conviction could result in a prison sentence. Your career might stall as you do time behind bars, not to mention the potential reputational damage. You may have a hard time attracting new clients or retaining existing ones. Other expenses related to a DUI include the installation of an ignition interlock device, alcohol treatment or education fees and the cost of reinstating your license.

Your defense could make a difference

DUI charges are not impossible to beat if you know where to look and how the criminal justice system works. As such, it is best to seek proper legal representation if you have been charged with drunk driving. It may help you avoid the negative consequences of a conviction.