An Attorney Explains: Understanding The Costs Of A San Diego DUI
Getting a DUI in San Diego can be extremely expensive. The total cost can reach up to $45,000 or more. This includes fines, bail, increased premiums for auto insurance, legal fees, loss of income from being fired, taking days off of work to attend court and alcohol education classes that the court will likely order.
Attorney Mark Deniz, founder of The Law Offices of Mark Deniz APLC, and his team will do everything possible to assist you through this difficult process and minimize the financial impact of a San Diego DUI. Even though a DUI offense is usually a misdemeanor, unless there are mitigating factors, the fines are still steep and the financial impact can include many other related expenses.
Breakdown Of Costs
Here are some specific costs you might face if you get a DUI in San Diego. The numbers will often vary depending upon the details surrounding the case, with higher amounts for more serious offenses:
- Fines and court costs: $3,000 or more, depending upon the case’s complexity
- Attorney fees: $2,500 to $10,000
- Bail: $500 to $5,000 (repeat offenders start at $15,000 to $50,000)
- DUI education school: $600 to $1,200
- Car towing and impounding: $685 to much higher for extended vehicle storage
- License reinstatement: $100 to $250
- Car ignition interlock device: $325 and up
- Increased premiums with auto insurance: $5,000 to $10,000 over the next 5 years
A DUI conviction will stay on your record for as long as 10 years and will for sure be used against you in future cases if you pick up another DUI within those 10 years.
Additional Expenses
Other expenses commonly incurred include:
- Temporary loss of income
- Issues that come with license suspension
- Missing work to attend court
- Periodic blood tests
- Monthly monitoring fees
- Loss of job
- Mandatory attendance in the MADD program
There is also the potential impact of missed opportunities that defendants miss due to their criminal record.
How Case Details Impact Costs
As mentioned above, the details of your case will also impact the overall cost. Specific examples include:
- Being a repeat offender: This can lead to higher fines and longer license suspension.
- Property damage: If you cause damage, you may have to pay for repairs.
- Lawsuits if there are injuries to victims: This can add significant legal costs and liability.
- Creates a criminal record: This can impact employment options and job accreditation for professions like airline pilots, teachers, nurses, stockbrokers, doctors and others.
- Loss of license: The minimum license suspension period for a first-time DUI in California is six months. The second offense can be two years, the third offense can be three years and the fourth one can be four years.
Mitigating circumstances can make your DUI a felony. This can involve high BAC, repeat offenses, causing harm to others and other details.
Contact The Law Offices of Mark Deniz APLC Today
If you are facing a DUI charge, it is crucial to get professional legal help to minimize the financial and legal damage and disruption to your family’s lives. Contact The Law Offices of Mark Deniz APLC today to get the support you need to navigate this challenging time. Our team is dedicated to minimizing the financial impact of a DUI on your life. Call us now at 858-429-9982 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and let us help you through this challenging process.