Criminal Defense Lawyers

The Cost of a DUI in Brooklyn: Fines, Fees & Insurance

Administrative License Revocation Fee

If you fail or refuse to take a breathalyzer test after being pulled over on suspicion of a DUI, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles will revoke your license administratively. This carries a $500 civil penalty fee. Ouch!

Towing and Impound Fees

In addition to any tickets you receive, your car will most likely be towed and impounded if you are arrested for a DUI. The fees for this typically start at $185 for the tow plus $20 per day for storage. And those storage fees can really add up if your car sits there for weeks or months!

Bail and Bond Fees

If you are taken into custody after a DUI arrest, you will likely need to post bail to be released until your court date. Bail is usually set at $500-$1500 for first time DUI offenders. If you can’t afford the full bail amount, you’ll need a bail bond, which usually costs 10% of the total bail. So if your bail is set at $1000, you’d pay $100 to a bondsman to get released.

Fines for a DUI Conviction

If you are convicted of a misdemeanor DUI in Brooklyn, you’ll face fines and surcharges of $500-$1000. For a felony DUI conviction, fines can reach as high as $5000! And don’t forget about restitution fees if anyone was injured or killed, which can add tens of thousands of dollars in costs.

Alcohol Assessment and Treatment

As part of your DUI sentencing, the court will likely order you to complete New York’s Drinking Driver Program, which involves an alcohol assessment and possibly treatment. The assessment alone will set you back about $100. And if you are ordered into treatment, plan on spending $1500+ on an outpatient program or $10,000+ for inpatient rehab.

DUI Lawyer Fees

Unless you qualify for a public defender, hiring a skilled DUI attorney is a smart investment to help guide you through the complex legal process. But competent legal help doesn’t come cheap. Expect to spend $2000-$5000+ on attorney’s fees to defend a DUI in Brooklyn. Complex cases with extensive motions and trial preparation can cost much more.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Ignition Interlock Device

If you are convicted of a DUI in New York, the court will likely require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle once your license is reinstated. This breathalyzer device prevents you from starting your car if you have alcohol on your breath. Costs range from $100 for installation plus $80-100 per month in maintenance fees. And the device must stay in your car for at least 6 months.

Impact on Auto Insurance Rates

Perhaps the longest lasting financial consequence of a DUI is skyrocketing car insurance rates. A DUI conviction in New York will raise your premiums by an average of $3,756 per year! And you’ll be stuck paying those crazy high rates for 5 years or more. Just one more reason why a DUI is an extremely expensive mistake.As you can see, the total cost of a DUI in Brooklyn can easily exceed $10,000 when you add up all the fines, fees, lawyer bills and insurance hikes. And that’s assuming it’s a first offense misdemeanor with no injuries or property damage. Additional DUI convictions, accidents, or aggravated circumstances will jack up the costs even more.Suffice to say you want to avoid a DUI at all costs. But if you do find yourself facing charges, don’t go through it alone. Hiring an experienced DUI lawyer can help minimize the fines and fees so that you don’t end up paying more than necessary. Reach out for legal help today to start building your defense.And remember – if you’ve had something to drink, leave the car keys behind no matter what. Uber, Lyft, the subway – take any safe alternative to driving drunk. A few extra bucks for a rideshare home will save you big time in the long run versus a DUI. Play it smart and safe on the streets of Brooklyn.

Resources https://dmv.ny.gov/tickets/about-driver-responsibility-assessment

https://www.nycgovparks.org/services/permits/towed-vehicleshttps://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/how-much-does-the-average-dui-costhttps://newyorkspeedingfines.com/new-york-dui-laws/https://criminallawyerinnyc.com/nyc-dui-dwai-lawyer/https://www.eac-network.org/DWI-Assessment.htmlhttps://www.thewatershed.com/treatment/new-york/https://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/how-much-does-the-average-dui-costhttps://dmv.ny.gov/tickets/about-driver-responsibility-assessmenthttps://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/car-insurance-rates-after-duihttps://www.criminallawyerinnyc.com/nyc-dui-dwai-lawyer