Being arrested for DUI is expensive. There are too many variables to pin down an exact cost for all DUI’s, but most folks will spend around $8,000 over several years when you add up all the expenses related to a first offense DUI.
The DUI costs can start racking up from the moment you’re arrested. If law enforcement tows your car there will be a $400 to $500 towing bill. Later that night the police might book you into jail and the judge might order you to pay $1,000 or more in order to bond out of jail.
The fees to try to maintain your driver’s license start within the first few days. The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) will suspend or revoke your license through their separate case, unless you request a hearing and pay the $375 filing fee within seven days of your arrest. If the DUI leads to a suspension or revocation of your license, then DOL will charge reinstatement and reissue fees of around $200 and require you to carry SR-22 insurance. For most folks SR-22 insurance will cost an extra $300 to $600 per year above your normal insurance rates and DOL requires SR-22 insurance for at least three years.
DUI court costs, which include fines and fees, can vary depending on the location of your case. There are statutory conviction fees, mandatory Washington State Patrol breath test program fees, law enforcement cost recovery fees and probation fees that judges are required to impose. Total payments to the Spokane courts for all these fines and fees are usually around $2,500 for a first offense DUI conviction.
There are lots of other expenses that are possible depending on individual circumstances. Some folks will to install the ignition interlock device, which costs about $1,200 per year. The costs for court ordered alcohol/drug treatment will vary based upon the type of treatment and how much your medical insurance will cover. All of these are in addition to the hidden costs of lost time at work or lost productivity due to stress.
An experienced DUI attorney can help minimize the costs of a DUI arrest or maybe even get the whole case dismissed. Contact Cooney Law Offices today. We can help!