Driving under the influence is a grave offense in all 50 states, with each jurisdiction enacting laws to curtail this dangerous activity. One of the most severe penalties for a DUI is in California. In addition to the moral and ethical implications of putting lives at risk, a considerable financial burden accompanies a DUI conviction, defining the actual cost of a DUI in California.
From a legal standpoint, victims of drunk driving accidents and their families have access to personal injury lawyers who fight for fair compensation. This can come from negotiating with insurance companies, working with local law enforcement, or taking the case to court. Nothing can replace the loss of a loved one or fully treat the emotional damage, but companies like Deldar Legal are here to ease the pain.
To help you understand the full scope of potential penalties, we take a wide view of several different factors. In this article, the true cost of a DUI in California spreads beyond an accident or a collision and gets into attorney fees, court costs, and state-mandated rehabilitation programs. Here is everything you need to know:
Loss Of Income
The most direct financial cost of a DUI in California is one on your paycheck. A DUI conviction often means jail time, especially for repeat offenders. Even without a lengthy jail sentence, mandatory court appearances, DUI school, and other obligations can mean missing work. The loss of income, or in worst-case scenarios, the loss of a job, can have long-lasting financial repercussions.
Furthermore, for those in professions that require a clean driving record – like truck drivers, delivery personnel, or any job that involves company vehicles – a DUI could be a career-ender. Other professions could see it as a major red flag to hire someone with a criminal history.
Victims of a drunk driving accident can also be looking at missed time from work if they’re checked into a hospital or perhaps undergo a major surgery. This is when a personal injury attorney will compile your medical bills, calculate the time you missed work, and make it part of your total compensation package. Every minor detail is cataloged and stored in your file for drunk driving accident attorneys to use.
Legal Fees
Legal representation is often seen as a necessity for many facing DUI charges. While some attorneys might offer fixed rates, others might charge hourly, leading to escalating costs, especially if the case becomes complicated or is drawn out over time. Beyond attorney fees, there are mandatory fines imposed by the state.
As set in California Vehicle Code Section 23152, the fines for first-time offenders might seem ‘manageable’ to some. Still, when combined with other associated costs, it becomes a significant financial burden. Repeat offenses are treated with even less leniency, leading to escalating costs that reflect the state’s diminishing tolerance for such behavior.
DUI Education & Treatment
Beyond the immediate legal repercussions, California aims to rehabilitate DUI offenders. This is where mandatory DUI schools come into play. These aren’t your regular night classes; these programs delve into the risks, societal implications, and personal health aspects of substance abuse.
While the intent behind these programs is commendable, they come with their own set of costs – the more extended and in-depth the program, the higher the price tag. And if the court mandates additional treatments or counseling, those expenses stack up even more.
Driving Privileges
The road back to regaining one’s driving privileges is neither simple nor cheap. Apart from the waiting period and the legal processes, there are tangible costs involved. The reissue fee to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is just the beginning. If mandated by the court, the installation and maintenance of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID).
California law stipulates that DUI offenders may be required to install an IID in their vehicles—a process that not only involves the installation cost but also the calibration and maintenance fees associated with these devices. After a DUI conviction, the DMV will issue a suspension or revocation letter, which outlines the steps to regain your driving privileges.
This correspondence will often include details about the mandatory installation of an IID. It’s important to understand that these costs are an integral part of the overall cost of a DUI in California. From the device itself to the administrative fees, each element adds to the financial toll.
Estimated Cost Of A DUI In California
After everything above, now comes the time to calculate an actual dollar amount for the cost of a DUI in California. DUI.org provides a comprehensive table of potential expenses one might face when convicted of a DUI in California. While these numbers can vary depending on individual circumstances, it’s clear that the total cost can be staggering. Let’s break it down:
| DUI Cost Estimates | Amount (USD) |
| Court Ordered Fines | $1,000-1,500 |
| Attorney Fees | $1,500-10,000 |
| DMV Fees | $100-150 |
| Ignition Interlock Device | $500-1,500 |
| SR-22 Insurance | $1,000-5,000 |
| DUI Classes | $250-500 |
| Towing | $100-300 |
| Bail | $100-200 |
| Estimated Total | $4,500-14,000 |
Beyond the stark financial numbers, DUI convictions carry a high intangible cost. There’s the stain on one’s record, making things like job hunts or housing applications more challenging. Personal relationships might strain or sever due to the ramifications of such a conviction. Also, the weight of guilt and societal judgement can be overwhelming.
Closing Words
The cost of a DUI in California stretches far beyond the financials. It seeps into every aspect of an individual’s life as a lingering reminder of the consequences. The message is clear: The stakes are high, and the costs are substantial. The surest way to avoid these costs is never to drink and drive.
But we don’t live in a perfect society; people make mistakes, and the cost of a DUI in California can be a massive one. Deldar Legal’s team of drunk driving accident attorneys can help families dealing with the pain. We specialize in DUI cases and have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding these incidents.
Call us at (844)335-3271 or contact us online and speak with a lawyer immediately! We can accurately assess the damages the family has suffered, including medical bills, lost wages, future medical care, and other related costs. We also put a monetary value on intangible damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.
Tagged with: car accident, drunk driving laws, DUI
Posted in: Drunk Driving Accidents