The Hidden Costs of DUI Convictions

 Posted on November 20,2018 in DUI

Everyone knows a DUI conviction can get you into big legal trouble. In Illinois, a first-time conviction for DUI is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, and you could face up to a year in jail, a one-year revocation of your driving privileges, and suspension of your vehicle registration. If you were under the age of 21 at the time of the DUI, your driving privileges could be revoked for two years. If your blood-alcohol content was recorded at .16 or more, you face a mandatory minimum fine of $500 and 100 hours of community service. 

A DUI conviction also comes with other expenses that can affect many areas of your life:

Insurance

After a DUI conviction, insurance companies consider you a high-risk driver, and you must get high-risk car insurance for at least three years. At around $2,000 a year, that is $6,000.

Income Loss

If you are charged with DUI, chances are you will miss some work. The State of Illinois estimates you will lose about four weeks worth of pay due to community service or jail time, evaluations, and other requirements. Someone who makes $55,000 a year could lose $4,230.

Rehabilitation

If you are convicted of a DUI, it is assumed you have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. Even if you do not, the State wants to make sure you do not end up that way. You may be ordered to attend substance abuse classes and counseling, which can cost about $300.

Driver’s License Reinstatement

Once you are able to drive again, you do not just magically get your license back. You have to reapply for a new license, which costs about $30, and you must pay the $500 reinstatement fee. You also have to attend a formal hearing at the Secretary of State’s office, which costs $50.

BAIID

If you are convicted of a DUI, you must have a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) installed in your vehicle for at least a year. Installation is about $100, monthly rental is $80, and the monitoring fee is $30 per month. This brings the total to $1,420.

A Will County DUI Defense Lawyer Can Help

The average total cost for a DUI conviction in Illinois is $18,030, which is a huge financial distress to many people. An experienced Naperville DUI defense attorney can help you avoid a conviction for DUI. Contact the Law Office of Patricia Magana, LLC to discuss your specific case and determine your best course of action. To schedule a free consultation, call 630-448-2001. Se habla Español.

Sources:

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a118.pdf