DUI Defender

For years I have told my friends and family that it is never cheaper to drive home if you feel that you may be under the influence of alcohol. An article written recently confirms that conclusion that a plain-old, vanilla, dui charge will cost an average of $10,000. This is a first offense dui without property damage or an injured person. The costs associated with this charge range from the towing and vehicle storage fees, costs of conviction, insurance and lawyer fees. Of course a good lawyer may be able to save some of these costs but a “good” lawyer is also expensive.

The real expense however is under-estimated by the average citizen. A DUI or OWI arrest is an embarrassing event. If the citizen is later convicted it may impact their employment either through back ground checks, inability to travel, drive, rent cars, security clearances or possibly even State or Government licenses. Not to mention the time off from work to attend court, jail, alcohol classes and other court ordered aspects of the sentence. Further, in many States the charge will remain on the citizen’s driver’s license record for years, in California it remains on the printout for ten years (meaning that a potential employer will see it, also your insurance company).

Unfortunately for many people a DUI can be a devastating event, resulting in the loss of self esteem and integrity within their community. They may have been aware that they were breaking the law at the time they were arrested. Many people charged with DUI are at or around .08, they may have been drinking in compliance with the government suggested limits but had their best efforts sabotaged by a heavy handed bartender or the failure to know that a serving of wine is 4 ounces, or that a pint isn’t a serving of beer.

If you have a question, err on the safe side, take a cab or call for a ride, no matter how much it cost, it is still cheaper than a DUI.

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