A DUI will ruin your life beyond court fees and a criminal conviction
A driving under the influence (DUI) charge is no laughing matter. For starters, a drunk driver is a hazard to the safety of every driver on the road. However, beyond the handcuffs, a drunk driving arrest can ruin your life beyond the expenses associated with a court case.
Even your first DUI charge will land you in a world of hurt beyond paying for bail and hiring a lawyer
A DUI, also known as a driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge, can change the course of a driver’s life. Even a first-offense misdemeanor DWI will land you in handcuffs, a trip to jail, and an appearance with a judge. Beyond the embarrassment of the arrest, an offender can expect to spend big bucks to handle their drunk driving charge.
According to Forbes Advisor, typical bail bond services can cost around $5,000. However, your bail functions to guarantee that you are trustworthy enough to go home after the arrest. During that time, you can gain legal representation and prepare for your court date. Add another $5,000 or so to that figure for legal fees.
Furthermore, an offender may receive a mandate from a judge ordering an ignition interlock device. As a result, a driver will have to budget for an installation and a monthly fee to keep driving, per Dohman Law Group.
Moreover, depending on your line of work, your DWI could have secondary consequences. For instance, your criminal record or license suspension may impact your ability to get hired. Also, a court-mandated interlock device could keep you from certain driving-intensive work.
After all is said and done, you may be looking at as much as $20,000 to cover the costs of your DUI. Incidentally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average salary in the United States in Q4 of 2023 was around $60,000. As such, the average worker might spend as much as one-third of their salary taking care of a drunk driving charge.
On the face of it, there is no scenario where driving drunk makes sense. In 2024, would-be drunk drivers have no shortage of options. Rideshare services, public transit, a taxi cab, using a designated driver, or taking a spirited walk home are among the many alternatives to ruining your life with a DWI charge. After all, even a cross-town Uber ride is a lot more affordable than the thousands you can expect to spend taking care of your charge.
