what is the cost of a DUI (drunk driving)? (typical cost or any that you know)?

Question

i am doing a research for my speech and debate class and I need answers A.S.A.P. all answers appreciated.

Answer 1

Are you talking about costs to the driver - or to a victim of that drunk driver?

Answer 2

In my county, an attorney would charge from $1,000 to $2,000. If you are able to enter a Diversion Program (a program where you basically promise to be good, follow the law, and not get into any more trouble and eventually the charge would be dismissed), then you would have user fees for the program. If you were ordered to do community service, then you would have community service user fees. If you were convicted, you might receive a fine and you would probably have to pay a probation user fee.

Then there is the added cost of the increase in your automobile insurance (which will follow you around for a good 10 years) and if you lose your license, the associated fees for alternative transportation.

Even if you have to take a taxi 500 times when you are drunk, you are still way ahead cost wise as opposed to getting a DUI on your record!

Answer 3

Well, the "cost" of drunk driving could be an ambiguous term. The cost of an attorney for DUI will vary greatly from state to state and even city to city. Attorneys are businessmen, and they set their own fees. In my area, attorney's fees range from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the complexity of the case, and whether or not the client wants the matter to go to trial. If the matter goes to trial, then the fee is usually on an hourly basis, and those fees again, vary greatly depending on the attorney.

Fines and other punishments also vary greatly. In my area, the fine for a first conviction is $500 to $1,500, a mandatory 48 hour jail sentence, and a license revocation for 1 months followed by 11 months of restrictions. The terms of probation can include monitoring for use of drugs/alcohol, classes, treatment, etc. For a second offense, the penalties are worse, and more severe. A third offense is a felony, with a jail sentence of 90 days to 1 year in jail, a fine of $1,000 at least and often some pretty intensive post-release supervision.

For specifics on DUI, you need to contact an attorney licensed in your state, and he/she can give you more specific information on your state.

Answer 4

Depends on the circumstances. Usually (ona first offense) you lose your license for a year, usually no provisional ilcense is given, you may get a week in jail, you pay a fine as well as have to take alcohol classes, between that and legal costs its usually about 8-10 thousand dollars. Then you have to go tour morgues and hospitaals to see the victims of drunk drivers etc.

Doesnt come off your record for I think 10 years or something. I got one one time it really is not a smart thing to do, its just to risky.

This is for california btw.