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