How to Navigate a DUI Charge on a Budget

As you drive under the influence of alcohol, you endanger yourself and other drivers on the road. Even if you do not cause an accident, you can be stopped and charged with a DUI, which will cost you thousands of dollars in court fees and other expenses. The cost of a DUI varies by state (and depends on the offender’s criminal history), but the average price is between $11,000 and $30,000. Learn more about the types of DUIs and how to navigate a DUI charge on a budget

What Is a DUI Charge?

A DUI charge is an offense when you are found driving under drug intoxication, whether prescribed, illegal, or over the counter.

Different Levels of DUI Offense

DUI accusations have serious consequences. The repercussions of a DUI charge, on the other hand, can differ depending on your state’s laws, your previous driving record, and any extra damage or laws breached. Every state handles these things differently, but there are a few general rules that you can learn and remember.

First Offense

The majority of DUI charges are the first offense. Therefore, the penalty is less severe. You might go to prison, be fined, or attend alcohol education sessions. Although you will not lose your right to vote, serve on a jury or pursue specific vocations, the offense remains recorded on your driver’s license for years to come.

Second Offense

If you are charged with a second DUI within a particular number of years, the penalty is more than the first time. The penalty depends on your state’s legislation and the circumstances of the event. For example, a DUI conviction in Pennsylvania carries a minimum of 72 hours in jail, your driver’s license is suspended, and the acceptable fine ranges from $1,000 to $5,000. However, you might expect a bigger fine, longer prison sentence, and other punishments. This time, your blood alcohol concentration level, for example, may play a more significant part in determining your sentence.

Felony DUI

DUIs that are classified as felonies have much more severe repercussions than misdemeanors. Again, what constitutes and does not constitute a crime varies by state. It is critical to familiarize yourself with state and federal regulations governing drunk driving. The more information you have, the more prepared you will be to deal with the situation and solve it.

The following are ways you can navigate your DUI charge on a budget.

License Fees

If you lose your license due to a DUI, you must pay a license reinstatement fee. The fee is paid several months after the DUI offense, and it can be costly depending on the circumstances surrounding your case. Therefore, consider putting aside money as soon as possible.

Look for Alternative Transportation

If you lose your driver’s license, you will have to find other ways to go to and from work and everywhere else you want to go. It may be necessary to take cabs or ridesharing services to move around. You have to account for fares and gas money in any case.

Car Insurance

When renewing your vehicle’s insurance, the insurance firm will learn about your DUI offense. The insurance firm may refuse to insure you, or the cost of your premiums may increase. After a DUI, carriers who raise a customer’s rates may keep the increased rates for years. Even though you switch providers on your own, getting lower rates and insurance providers willing to insure you as an at-risk driver may be difficult. Understanding the cost of a drinking and driving charge in advance will save you a lot of stress and sticker shock.

Vehicle accidents are now the most common cause of injury among all personal injury claims. They account for over half of all cases (52%), and DUI offenses are the major causes of these accidents. The consequences of this offense, especially for the person who caused the accident, are a host of emotions, including anger, sadness, guilt, and shame. Understanding the consequences of drinking and driving will save you and other road users.