(This is a guest post)
There are many expenses associated with being convicted of a DUI. The exact penalties that will be assessed for a DUI conviction vary from state to state and depend on the circumstances of the case, but there are a number of expenses associated with DUI convictions that nearly everyone can expect to pay for. Here are some of the biggest costs associated with being convicted of a DUI.
Fines
There are a number of fines associated with a DUI conviction that must be paid before your case is resolved. The traffic violation fines alone can total hundreds of dollars. There are penalties assessed by the court and cost costs that also must be paid before the case is closed.
License Suspension
Most of the people that receive a DUI conviction also lose their driver’s license for a period of time. While a LA DUI attorney may be able to get them driving privileges to get back and forth to work, the person will still have to pay to renew their driver’s license when their suspension period is up.
Alcohol Education Programs
In some cases, a person convicted of a DUI will be required to take a certain number of classes through an alcohol education program before their driver’s license can be reinstated. The cost of these classes are paid for out of the pocket of the person who is convicted of a DUI.
Ignition Interlock Devices
Some states are now requiring that people convicted of a DUI install ignition interlock devices on their car for a certain period of time to ensure that they do not drink and drive. The driver must blow into the tube of the device and have their breath measured for alcohol content before the car will start. The cost of maintaining and installing the device fall on the shoulders of the convicted.
Special License Plates
Another expense associated with a DUI conviction is having to purchase special license plates for your vehicle. These license plates let police officers and highway patrol men know that you have been recently convicted of a DUI. The amount of time that you are required to have special license plates on your car will depend on which state you received your DUI conviction in.
Attorney Fees
If you want DUI attorney help before your case goes to trial, it is important to choose a law firm with significant experience in the field. While you will get better representation in court, it will be more expensive than representing yourself or choosing a lesser known law firm. However, the reduced penalties obtained by the attorney may be well worth the additional cost of hiring them.