Going out with friends for a few drinks may be one way that you choose to relax. You never intend to get drunk or act unlike yourself, but you do enjoy a couple of alcoholic beverages to take the edge off. Because you tend to keep your drinking under control, you do not think that you would ever face a DUI charge.
Unfortunately, just because you do not feel impaired, doesn’t mean that an officer will not consider you impaired. If your blood alcohol concentration level exceeds .08%, you could still end up under arrest for DUI. If so, you could face a number of difficult expenses.
What does a DUI cost?
Many people may think of the specific costs associated with fines stemming from a DUI conviction, but the expenses of a DUI can go far beyond this one factor. In fact, you could end up paying thousands of dollars and facing lasting consequences if you face such a charge. Some expenses you may end up having to contend with include the following:
- Bail
- Probation supervision
- Licensing fees
- Towing and impounding fees
- License reinstatement
- Ignition interlock device
- Chemical testing fees
- Alternate transportation
- Court fines
- Jail fee
- Jail time
- Community service supervision fee
- Higher insurance premiums
These costs can vary from state to state, so it is important to understand how Illinois handles such expenses. However, the estimated average cost of a DUI in the state is over $14,500. If you are like most people, you do not have that kind of money just lying around. Of course, some of those expenses may not show themselves immediately. For example, your increased insurance premiums may cost you more over the years than right away.
What can you do?
If you do face a criminal charge for DUI, you may understandably have concerns about your future and your finances. As a result, you will certainly want to do what you can to defend against the charge as best as possible.
It may benefit you and your case to enlist the help of an experienced defense attorney who can explain your available options and walk you through the process of handling your case. This information may help you make more-informed decisions and feel more confident in your ability to reach a favorable outcome.