The cost of a DUI conviction in Southern California can reach well into thousands of dollars. DUIs are one of the most expensive misdemeanors you can commit in the Los Angeles area.
Even when a DUI is “simple”– with no injury or deaths involved — DUI is not a simple matter. Before you decide to pay the fine and try to move on, it helps to speak with an experienced Los Angeles DUI lawyer to understand exactly what you are up against.
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A Breakdown of Basic Costs for a First-Time DUI
If you are arrested for a first DUI offense in California with no injuries, deaths, or property damage, the expenses are still staggering: one conviction in Southern California can cost you a minimum of as much as $15,649. Here is a breakdown of the basic fines and costs you will face:
Minimum fine: | $390 |
Approximate court penalties (depends on jurisdiction): | $1,245 |
Booking & fingerprinting: | $170 |
Vehicle towing & impound fee: | $350 |
Victim Restitution Fund: | $140 |
3-month DUI school: | $575 |
DMV driver’s license fee: | $125 |
Car insurance increase (over 10 years): | $10,154 |
Bail bond cost (up to): | $2,500 |
Total cost: | $15,649 |
Generally, this is the expense you could face if you are found guilty. Some of these costs will depend on your case or vary slightly depending on your county.
So, how much does a DUI cost in Southern California? You may have to pay upwards of $15,000. It is essential to speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after your arrest to minimize these fees.
A Cost Breakdown of a DUI Conviction
Criminal defense lawyers can help you understand the details and the purpose of the various court and DMV costs. Many of the fines and expenses associated with a DUI are shrouded in legal language. Here’s a simple explanation of each of the numbers:
Minimum Court Fine
Fines for DUI cases start at a few hundred dollars and can increase to several thousand, especially if you have past convictions on your criminal record. Criminal fines ordered by the judge can increase DUI costs.
Court Penalties
Administrative assessments reflect the cost the local court bears in handling the DUI case. The person charged with DUI pays the costs instead of the taxpayers.
Booking Fees
Police also charge convicts for booking fees and administrative costs. The booking fee includes the cost of recording fingerprints as well as a photography fee for the “mug shot.”
Vehicle Towing and Impound Fees
Impound costs will vary by location, as well as by how far law enforcement must tow your vehicle and how long you leave it in the impound lot. It also includes Police Garage fees and release fees. Note that a new law may increase DUI penalties, including impoundment.
Victim Restitution Fund Costs
Everyone who receives a DUI conviction must pay money into the state’s Restitution Recovery Program for victims, which provides money to compensate crime victims, even if your DUI hurts no one.
DUI School Fees
Your financial costs may include the fees necessary to attend court-ordered DUI school after a drunk driving conviction.
License Reinstatement Fee
The court can suspend your license as part of your DUI sentence. You must go to the DMV and apply for a license reinstatement, which carries a $125 reissue fee ($100 for drivers under 21).
Because you must deal with both the court system and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) separately, there is another layer of expenses you may not have considered.
Car Insurance Increase
A DUI conviction nearly always raises your car insurance rates. The exact cost varies individually, but a typical increase is $84 a month. It is often much higher for a driver under 21.
Bail Bond Cost
Most first-time DUI offenses do not require bail. If yours does, you will likely need to take out a bail bond (loan) to cover it, and the $2,500 cost reflects the 10% fee you’ll pay on a $25,000 bail bond, which is the maximum you could have to pay.
So, how much does a DUI cost in Southern California? You may end up paying thousands of dollars, so it’s essential to turn to a criminal defense lawyer fast after a drunk driving arrest.
You May Need to Pay for an Ignition Interlock Device
Ignition interlock devices (IIDs), or breathalyzers, are used following your conviction for a DUI. They are mandatory to avoid a license suspension, and you must provide proof of installation by an authorized company to the court.
An average IID installation in California costs between $75 and $100, and the monthly fee ranges from $70 to $100. You must also pay to have it calibrated every 60 days or risk fines for failure to meet the requirements set by law.
The total cost can add up to several thousand dollars, depending on how long you must keep the device installed. Second, third, and subsequent DUI convictions require longer periods, increasing the costs substantially.
Additional Costs of a DUI
If you cannot drive because of a suspended license or jail time, you will lose wages from your job. Your boss may even fire you if you miss enough time or your employer has a strict policy against convictions.
In addition, your car stays impounded until you have an IID installed, so you must pay for alternative transportation.
An important cost you need to consider is the price of a lawsuit to defend yourself. Prosecuting attorneys try DUI cases every day and know the best ways to secure convictions. You need help knowing where to begin to fight a DUI and the costs involved.
DUIs Can Affect Your College Costs
Much like the way imprisonment and license suspension can affect your wages and ability to work, a DUI conviction can also cause significant damage to your school costs. It can ruin your ability to qualify for or maintain any grants, scholarships, or loans you may rely on for higher education.
A felony DUI means that you will be required to serve time in either county jail or state prison. Being incarcerated prevents you from applying for nearly all federal aid or loan programs.
If you are already receiving federal aid for college, the government can suspend the program and deny you a chance to apply in the future.
What to Expect During a DUI Arrest
When law enforcement stops you for a DUI, the police officer will administer a field sobriety test, such as the walk and turn test. They will also ask you to submit to a breathalyzer test to get a reading of your blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
If you exceed the legal limit of 0.08% BAC, the police may arrest you and tow and impound your car. You will receive a temporary license and a court date for your hearing. The police may fingerprint you and book you into the county jail.
Simple, right? It’s not so simple when you think about the different types of expenses associated with crimes the police accuse you of, like reckless driving or driving with a minor child in the car.
A Lawyer Can Help You Avoid a Costly DUI Conviction
How much does a DUI cost in Southern California? Even a first-time offender could end up paying thousands of dollars and facing other severe consequences, like a license suspension and jail time.
If the police arrest you for a DUI, don’t wait until the bills are piling up. Hiring an experienced Los Angeles DUI lawyer is critical to reducing costs and winning the best result for your case. Contact us today using our online form for your free consultation.
