DUI Fines
In an effort to try to prevent citizens from operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, many states have imposed strict penalties—one of those being expensive fines. DUI fines can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand depending on the circumstances surrounding your case. Your state or local municipality’s laws can also have an affect on DUI fines. How does the criminal justice system determine DUI fines?
While it varies by state and jurisdiction, DUI fines are often determined by specific facts related to your case. For instance, if this was your first DUI conviction, you’ll likely face a DUI fine of a few hundred dollars. If it was your second, third or fourth DUI conviction, you can face DUI fines of a few thousand dollars. For specific information regarding DUI fines in the jurisdiction where your alleged crime was committed, you should contact a local DUI defense attorney.
The criminal justice system will also review if there were any aggravated charges that related to your DUI. An example of this may be that you were also speeding or driving recklessly. If you had a minor in your vehicle, this may also cause your DUI fines to be more expensive. Your state may also decide to increase your DUI fine if your blood alcohol content was much higher than the legal limit. And DUI fines are almost always higher if a person is seriously injured or even killed in a DUI-related accident. There are also instances where a person refused to take a chemical test to determine their blood alcohol content, and if this is the case, the criminal justice system may impose a higher DUI fine.
Depending on your state’s department of motor vehicles, they may also impose DUI fines. You should also take into account that in addition to DUI fines, your insurance rates can skyrocket (and that’s if your insurance company decides to keep you covered).
For these reasons alone, you should consider seeking the help of an experienced DUI defense attorney. Don’t let a DUI conviction break your bank account!
