The impact on your finances associated with being convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) can be significant. You may have to deal with financial burdens that can considerably strain your budget in the foreseeable future if you are found guilty of this offense.
One of the most immediate expenses of a drunk driving conviction is fines. For instance, you may receive a fine of $1,000 for a first DUI conviction and up to $2,000 for a second offense. This is in addition to other court fees that can quickly add up.
Your insurance rates will increase
A DUI conviction can lead to an increase in insurance rates. Insurance companies will consider you a high-risk individual if you are found guilty of driving while intoxicated, leading to a spike in premiums that can last for several years.
Your job and career could be affected
A drunk driving conviction can affect your productivity and income. Your employer could let you go if you are jailed for drunk driving, depending on what it is you do for a living and any morality clauses that may be part of your employment contract. On top of that, finding a new job will likely be difficult due to your criminal record. You may also have to spend a lot of time and money on attending DUI classes, probation meetings, community service and other obligations related to your sentence, which can lower your productivity and quality of life.
Other associated costs of a DUI conviction include fees related to a license suspension, towing and impoundment expenses and installing an ignition interlock device. It’s worth noting that every case is different, and the potential consequences vary depending on the prevailing facts.
Reaching out for legal guidance early on if you have been arrested for drunk driving can help protect your interests and mitigate the financial fallout associated with a conviction.