When calculating the true cost of an Illinois DUI, you must consider both the financial and more importantly, the non-financial costs associated with a DUI arrest.
Financial Cost of a DUI
The financial costs of a DUI can be substantial. Most DUIs are charged as Class A misdemeanors, which carry a fine of up to $2,500.00 plus mandatory court costs and assessments. Court costs and assessments, which are set by law and which the judge has no control over, are approximately $1,400.00. Additionally, there are also expenses associated with the following*:
- The impoundment and tow of your vehicle ($500-$1000)
- An alcohol/drug evaluation ($225-$350)
- Court-ordered treatment ($1,000-$4,000)
- Court monitoring/probation fees ($50-$100/month)
- Random drug or urine testing
- A breath alcohol ignition interlock device in your vehicle ($100 installation & $80/month)
- Secretary of State monitoring fees ($30/month)
- Secretary of State driver’s license reinstatement fees ($250-$500)
- Increased insurance rates ($1,500/year)
- Attorneys fees
* These expenses are estimates only
Although the total costs you can expect to pay can greatly vary depending on the facts of your specific case and even the courthouse where your case is assigned, some estimates place the average financial impact for a 1st time DUI offense around $10,000.00 – $15,000.00.
An Illinois Secretary of State study found that total average cost of a DUI conviction in Illinois is $18,130.00.
Of course, if you are found not guilty or the case is dismissed for other reasons many, if not all of these expenses, can be avoided. Even if the DUI cannot be dismissed, an effective DUI attorney may be able to assist you in reducing or avoiding many of these expenses.
Non-financial Costs of a DUI
You must also consider the non-financial costs of a DUI charge. A Class A misdemeanor DUI charge carries a potential sentence of up to 364 days in jail. The consequences of incarceration are obvious, resulting in a major disruption in your life as well as that of your family.
A DUI also may result in a suspension and/or revocation of your driver’s license. The loss of driving privileges may impact your ability to commute to work, school, or attend to your own medical needs and/or the needs of a child, parent, or another family member.
In addition, a DUI conviction can impact your job or future employment opportunities. It may even prevent you from traveling internationally. There are certain countries, such as Canada, that will not allow you to enter with a DUI on your record.
An experienced DUI attorney can advise you as to all of the potential financial and non-financial consequences of a DUI offense and assist you in minimizing the impact of these consequences.
The DUI attorneys at The Davis Law Group, P.C. provide free initial consultations to prospective clients. We represent clients charged with DUI throughout Illinois including Cook County, Lake County, and DuPage County. Feel free to contact us today to discuss your case.