NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FEDERAL LAWYERS
DUI/DWI
|Last Updated on: 1st October 2023, 08:22 am
DUI/DWI: The Real Costs and Consequences
Getting arrested for DUI or DWI can be a scary, embarrassing experience. Believe me, I know. When I was 22, I made the stupid decision to drive home after a night of drinking with friends. I thought I was “okay to drive,” but of course, I wasn’t. I got pulled over and ended up spending the night in jail. It was awful.
That DUI arrest changed my life. I lost my license for 6 months, had to pay thousands in fines and legal fees, and my insurance rates skyrocketed. Worst of all, I felt so ashamed that I’d put other people’s lives at risk with my reckless behavior.
If you ever find yourself thinking about driving after drinking, I hope you’ll learn from my mistake. A DUI is never worth it. In this article, I want to walk you through the real consequences so you can make smart decisions and stay safe.
The Legal Penalties
Let’s start with what happens legally if you’re arrested for DUI or DWI (driving while intoxicated). The specifics vary by state, but there are some common penalties:
- Jail time – For a first offense, this ranges from a few days to 6 months. Repeat offenses can result in years behind bars
- Fines – Expect to pay $500-$5000 or more in court fines and fees
- License suspension – Most states suspend your license for 3-12 months minimum
- Ignition interlock device – This breathalyzer connected to your ignition could be mandated for 6 months or longer
- Probation – Terms often include alcohol education classes and treatment programs
These are just the mandatory minimum punishments. Judges have a lot of discretion to impose additional penalties like community service, more fines, extended probation, and more (see state-by-state penalties). And if you injure or kill someone while driving drunk? You’re looking at vehicular manslaughter or homicide charges.
Bottom line – a DUI conviction means dealing with the criminal justice system for months or years. Even first-time offenders face jail time, loss of license, and serious fines. The consequences escalate sharply for repeat offenses.
The Financial Costs
In addition to the court fines and fees, a DUI wreaks havoc on your finances in other ways:
- Higher insurance rates – Expect your rates to double or more, costing thousands extra per year
- Attorney fees – The average DUI lawyer charges $1500-$5000 to represent you
- Lost wages – If you go to jail or lose your license, you could miss work and lose income
- Alcohol education programs – These classes and treatment range from $250-$1500+
- Car towing and impound fees – Around $200 or more to get your car back
And don’t forget the personal property damage or injuries to others you may be liable for. Bottom line, expect a DUI to cost you $10,000+ when all is said and done. Ouch!
The Social and Professional Fallout
Beyond the legal and financial consequences, a DUI arrest can seriously damage your relationships and career. Here are some of the social costs you may face:
- Reputation damage – Friends, family, and co-workers will see you differently
- Relationship turmoil – The trust in your marriage or partnership can be broken
- Custody issues – DUI charges affect divorce and custody decisions for kids
- Job loss – Many professions require driving or have zero tolerance policies
- Difficulty finding work – Employers often conduct background checks and see DUI records
Because of the stigma around DUI, you may be shunned by friends or lose your job over an arrest. Some relationships never fully recover from the dishonesty of hiding a drinking problem. And if you hope to work in healthcare, education, the military, or other fields, a single DUI can derail your career plans entirely.
The Health Dangers
Most importantly, driving impaired puts your life and the lives of others at risk. Some sobering stats:
- Every day 29 people die in alcohol-related crashes in the U.S. [1]
- One-third of all traffic fatalities involve drunk drivers[2]
- In 2016, over 1 million drivers were arrested for DUI[3]
Drinking slows reaction times, reduces coordination, and impairs judgement. These effects are amplified with drug use, fatigue, or distractions like cell phones. DUI is among the most dangerous and selfish things you can do behind the wheel. Please don’t take the risk.
What to Do If You’re Arrested
If you find yourself in handcuffs for DUI/DWI, here are some tips:
- Remain polite and cooperative – Don’t resist arrest or argue with the officer
- Decline field sobriety/breathalyzer tests – They can only hurt your case[4]
- Don’t answer questions or admit guilt – Ask for your lawyer
- Arrange for bond and release from jail – Have a friend or family member assist
- Hire a DUI attorney immediately – Don’t go it alone; a lawyer is essential
The legal system is designed to get convictions in DUI cases. Having an experienced DUI lawyer in your corner from day one makes a huge difference. A lawyer can potentially get charges reduced or dismissed based on improper procedure, lack of evidence, or other defenses. Don’t take that chance away by talking to police without counsel. Exercise your right to remain silent until your attorney is present.
Call a Cab, Get a Rideshare, Take Public Transit
Look, I know the temptation to drive after a few drinks. As I said earlier, I made that mistake myself. And it was one time too many. Please be smarter than me! With rideshares like Uber and Lyft, there’s no excuse for driving impaired. Heck, even a cab or bus is way cheaper than a DUI. Don’t become another statistic. Make the responsible choice and leave the car keys behind if you plan to party.
Thanks for reading this long article, and I hope it gives you pause before ever getting behind the wheel buzzed. Just remember my story and the real costs of a DUI. The fines, jail time, embarrassment and risk to your life and others just aren’t worth it. Make the smart choice and you’ll have one less regret in life.
References
[1] https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving[2] https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/impaired_driving/impaired-drv_factsheet.html
[3] https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/dui-arrests-down-amid-pandemic-090821
[4] https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/field-sobriety-tests.html