Motorists do not always respond appropriately to driving under the influence (DUI) charges. Many people choose to enter guilty pleas. They don’t want to go to trial, even though they may insist that test results were inaccurate or that police officers made an error in judgment.
Many people want to avoid the public exposure that comes with a criminal trial. They may also worry about the expenses generated by mounting a thorough criminal defense in court. What these people may fail to consider is how a DUI conviction can cost quite a bit of money.
There are numerous economic consequences of pleading guilty to a DUI charge, including the three significant expenses outlined below.
1. Court Costs and Fines
The criminal penalties imposed by the courts for a DUI conviction often include financial consequences. It is standard practice to hold convicted defendants accountable for court costs.
Additionally, the courts can impose a fine for a DUI conviction. Depending on the circumstances, the defendant may have to pay between $100 and $5,000 in fines after a DUI conviction.
2. Increased Insurance Premiums
Drivers don’t just need to maintain a state-issued license to legally operate a vehicle on public roads. They also need to register their vehicles and maintain mandatory liability insurance coverage. Drivers can expect to pay an average of 44% more for the same coverage after a DUI conviction.
The average driver pays $1,787 per year for mandatory coverage. After a DUI, the average annual cost of coverage increases by $779 to $2,566. Repeat offenders can expect their policy costs to increase by even more than those with a single DUI conviction. Different insurance companies may charge different rates, but all of them charge more for people with major driving infractions on their records.
3. Lost Income and Earning Potential
If the courts sentence someone to incarceration after a DUI offense, they may miss out on weeks or months of work. Even if DUI defendants avoid jail time, they may miss work due to court or because of their driver’s license suspension.
Some employers have policies that allow them to fire workers convicted of criminal offenses during their employment. Many others screen out professionals with criminal records during the hiring process. Those who plead guilty may experience a long-term reduction in their earning potential.
The total financial consequences of a DUI guilty plea are often far beyond what people initially expect. Fighting back against DUI charges can be the more economical solution in many cases. Drivers who understand the risks can make better informed decisions when responding to allegations of drunk driving.