5 Ways Your Personal Finances Are Affected After Getting a DUI
Wednesday, September 16, 2015, 6:00 AM | Leave Comment
It’s never fun to deal with the repercussions of a DUI charge. From the guilt and social stigma to your personal finances, DUIs can affect every aspect of your life.
If you have been charged with drunk driving, your personal finances can take a hit.
Learn what to expect in the days and weeks following your arrest so you can prepare financially.
Here are 5 ways your personal finances can be affected by your DUI.
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License Suspension
If you get arrested and charged with a DUI, your license will get taken away temporarily. The DMV is in charge of determining how long it will be suspended for. However, in the meantime you will have to pay for public transportation or a taxi to get everywhere. These expenses can add up fast. You will also have to pay to reinstate your license when the time comes.
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Loss of Wages
Another way your finances may be affected is through loss of wages. Drunk drivers often have to serve jail time, perform community service, appear in court, and go through court-ordered counseling. All of this takes up time and money. To get all of these things done, you may have to cut back hours at your job.
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DUI Fines
There are often legal fees associated with getting arrested and appearing in court (Source: http://suhrelawcolumbus.com/criminal-defense/). Court costs can be a few hundred dollars for first-time offenders. Not to mention, the cost of a lawyer to defend you can range from $2,000 to $5,000, but this also varies slightly per law firm.
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Increased Insurance Rates
When you do get your license reinstated, your car insurance rates will increase astronomically. Since DUIs constitute high-risk driving, you can expect your monthly bill to go up by a hundred or two hundred dollars at least. This premium hike will stay in effect for 2-3 years before it drops back down again.
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Ignition Interlock System
Some courts order former drunk drivers to install an ignition interlock system in their car. This system tests your blood alcohol level before you can turn the car on and drive anywhere. You’ll have to pay about $100 to install the system, then a monthly rental fee of $50-100 for at least 3 months.
Obviously, the aftermath of a DUI charge is messy and embarrassing. It’s best to avoid driving drunk in the first place.
However, if you have already been charged, you can retain a DUI lawyer to avoid unnecessary expenses related to your situation.
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