Cost Benefit of Hiring a DUI Lawyer
Unfortunately, driving under the influence is an illegal and reckless act that individuals partake in far too often. The degree to which a DUI can be charged, is relative to the individual and their specific situation. However, the one thing all DUI cases have in common, is the ability to be very costly. The costs associated with a DUI vary based on factors specific to each individual’s DUI, some cases having more of a financial impact than others. Depending on the specific circumstances of one’s case, hiring a DUI lawyer can be very beneficial from a cost perspective, helping save individuals substantial amounts of money in the end.
Average DUI Cost
The overall cost of a DUI can come as a shock as it is not commonly known the extent to which all the costs associated with a DUI span. While DUI arrests and the costs associated with them are situational, the overall financial impact can be substantial. Some of the costs individuals can encounter after a DUI arrest are:
- Bail Bond Fees
- Towing and Impound Fees
- Individual Court Fees/Fines
- Probation/Jail/Sentencing Fees
- Community Service Fees
- Alcohol Treatment/Education Fees
- License Reinstatement Fees
- Added Insurance Fees
While these fees are all circumstantial to the specifics of each individuals DUI, the financial impact, on average, ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars. This leaves those involved in a DUI arrest to not only endure the worldly consequences of a DUI but also the financial consequences.
Insurance
One of the biggest and lasting financial impacts of a DUI, is the increased car insurance costs. On average, after a DUI arrest/conviction, individuals tend to see their insurance rates increase substantially, resulting in an average yearly increase of at least $1000. In some cases, those with a DUI arrest on their record have seen their yearly insurance rates increase as high as over $4,000.
Insurance rates pose as one of the biggest lasting financial burdens on individuals who were involved in a DUI. Once one’s insurance has been affected by a DUI, insurance companies are allowed to keep the raised coverage rate for a minimum of three years. However, insurance rates typically remain increased as long as the DUI remains on an individual’s driving record. This often results in a significant financial burden placed upon those involved in a DUI over the years.
Cost Impacts
While DUI cases are all unique to the many factors in an individual’s specific case, there are some particular factors that have the ability to substantially impact the costs of one’s DUI. Some specific situations that cause the costs associated with a DUI to increase are if:
- The DUI involved a driver who was underage (under the legal drinking age of 21 years old)
- The DUI involved a driver who was under the influence of alcohol as well as drugs
- The DUI involved a driver that resulted in an accident
These specific factors can pose as significant additional impacts to an individual’s DUI situation, resulting in larger financial costs while also effecting the overall outcome of one’s DUI case.
Experienced Attorney
Hiring the right attorney is crucial in a situation involving a DUI. While hiring a DUI lawyer can be costly, it often doesn’t compare to the cost of a DUI without hiring one. A DUI lawyer can save an individual, both time and money. While the cost of hiring a lawyer often depends on a handful of factors, ultimately, in the event of a DUI arrest, hiring one can help save you money in the long run.
From helping to try and reduce/drop your DUI charges to helping save you thousands of dollars, hiring an experienced DUI attorney is the most beneficial choice in the event of a DUI. In the end, an inexperienced lawyer could end up doing more harm than good, so it is imperative to contact a qualified and experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible in the event of a DUI.
Rick Mueller, California DUI Lawyers Association Specialist, has the experience and proven track record to ensure you get the best possible outcome for your specific situation. If you or someone you know finds themselves in the unfortunate situation of a DUI, in the greater San Diego area, contact Rick Mueller as soon as possible.
Cost Benefit of Hiring a DUI Lawyer