How Much Does a DUI Cost?

June 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment

By Michael Enfield -

Being convicted of driving under the influence is a serious criminal offense. This conviction can come with license suspensions, fines, jail time, increased insurance rates, and societal repercussions. If you have been convicted of a crime you may have to relay this information on job or housing applications, which can hinder your chances of being hired or being approved.

Not only are there these related consequences, but there is the overall staggering cost that is often associated with a DUI trial and conviction. By knowing what the costs are you are more likely to avoid risking your wellbeing by getting behind the wheel after drinking. Furthermore, if you do find yourself arrested with a DUI charge you can be better prepared to seek assistance and keep costs down by knowing what to expect.

Costs Commonly Associated with a DUI

There are many expenses that can add up following a DUI conviction. While some are obvious and some are more subtle, prolonged costs, they can all add up to a staggering amount in no time. These common DUI costs include:

· Fines: Often a conviction will require the individual to pay a certain legal fine for the DUI offense; much like a traffic ticket requires a financial punishment.

· Court Costs: DUI cases often involve multiple court visits and court hearings. The court and judge’s fees associated with this can certainly add up.

· DMV Fees: After your license is suspended you have to get it reinstated, which comes with a fee. In many cases you will have to have a provisional license which requires another reinstatement cost once that provisional period is over.

· Increases in Insurance Rates: This is one of the most prolonged DUI costs. Insurance rates raise significantly following a DUI conviction, and will remain raised for a number of years.

· Any reimbursement for property or individuals harmed: If you damage any property or harm any people when you are driving under the influence you will usually be held liable for reimbursing them for their expenses and pain and suffering.

DUIs usually cost at least $10,000 and can get up to $45,000 in overall cost. The average cost of a DUI is around 17,000 dollars.

For More Information

Knowing how much a DUI can cost you can be a great deterrent, helping you avoid ever being in a situation where you could be accused of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. However, since accidents do happen sometimes it is important to know what steps to take to keep costs down once you have been charged with a DUI.

For more information on DUI law and expenses, visit http://www.dwiattorneyhouston.com today.

Michael Enfield

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Why You Should Not Mix Drinking and Driving

February 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment

By Adriana A Noton –

Ever since the invention of the automobile people have been drinking and driving. There are many people that think they can drive if they have only had a couple drinks but this is far from the truth. There is never an excuse for drinking and driving, no matter how little you had to drink.

When you take the risk and drive will drinking there are many things that may go wrong. You could end up spending the night in jail and having to pay a large fine for a DUI if you are caught driving drunk. Not to mention all of the people you are putting in danger. A DUI is the best case scenario because you could end up taking someone’s life.

You run the risk of losing a lot when you drive drunk. If you drive after you have been drinking you take the risk of killing yourself or someone else. You will go to jail if you wreck and the result is someone’s death. You absolutely can and more than likely will be arrested and charged with the crime of man slaughter if you kill someone will driving drunk.

Most people would have a hard time living with the fact that their bad choice caused someone to die. Of course going out and having a few drinks is perfectly fine as long as you do not drive after you drink. If you are planning to have a drink make sure you plan on a safe way to get home like a friend or taxi.

There is never a reason to drink and drive when a cab can get you there safely for only a few bucks. The few dollars you pay the cab driver to take you home could save someone’s life and it may even be yours. Never think that you can drive because you have only had one or two drinks. Many people have said that they can drive as well or better when they have been drinking but this is never true.

There is no one who can drive better while being drunk. When you and your friends go out drinking, be the responsible adult and suggest everyone take a taxi cab home. When leaving after a night out drinking ask the smart question of “what is the number for the cab”? Never ask who is sober enough to drive us home.

When you have had a couple or drinks you may not make the most rational decisions. This is why planning ahead is so important. If you plan for a cab to drive you to the club or bar then you will more than likely be taking a cab home. Ask a friend to drop you off if you plan to drink this way your car will not even be there for you to drive. This country also has a problem with teenagers driving drunk.

Set a good example for your teens and talk to them about drinking and driving. Make sure they know that drinking is harmful and that driving drunk could ruin their lives or get them killed. Too many teens have lost their lives due to drunk driving.

For those charged with drunk and driving Toronto, affordable legal services are readily available. An experienced criminal lawyer Toronto has the expert information regarding impaired driving and commercial vehicle offences.

Article Source:  Why You Should Not Mix Drinking and Driving

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DUI Convictions Are Costly

February 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment

By Joseph Devine –

The humiliation and hassle associated with DUIs should be enough incentive for most people to take a taxi home; however, for those who still aren’t convinced, a quick analysis of how much a DUI conviction costs first time offenders may change their mind. It is estimated that DUI convictions can range anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000.

Drinking and Driving

Drinking and driving is a serious problem in America that has gained the attention of federal and state governments. In 2007 alone, police arrested more than 1.4 million people for DUI. According to statistics gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol played a part in 41% (or 17,602) of traffic fatalities.

Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, the numbers closely reflect the national statistics. 38% of automobile fatalities in 2008 were alcohol related, resulting in 25 deaths. Because these numbers have not significantly changed over the last ten years, police officials are cracking down and trying to make the cost of a conviction an effective deterrent for getting behind the wheel while under the influence.

The Cost

In addition to the thousands of people who die each year because of automobile accidents involving alcohol, millions more suffer injuries. But if the potential for physical harm doesn’t provide drivers with enough incentive to find another way home, the financial cost may do the trick.

Where Does the Money Go?

From the moment an individual is charged with driving under the influence, the money starts pouring out of their pockets. Common expenses associated with DUIs include:

•    Car towing and storing fees. Depending on the state where you were charged, car towing fees can range anywhere from $100 to $1200 initially, with expenses increasing the longer they hold the vehicle. In some states, if the vehicle is not retrieved after 30 days, the police will auction it off, and if the storage fees exceed the amount received for the car, they will bill the owner.

•    Bail, which can range anywhere from $150-$2500.

•    State fines, which can range anywhere from $300 to $1200, depending on the state.

•    Alcohol assessment and treatment programs. Once convicted of a DUI, every offender is put on probation and must attend alcohol awareness classes totaling between $150 and $2000.

•    The installation and maintenance of monitoring equipment, such as an ignition interlock device, which ranges from $325 and up.

•    After completing treatment programs, the state charges you a license re-instatement fee, which ranges from $95-$250.

•    Increased insurance rates for 3 to 5 years following a conviction. Depending on your driving history and your insurance provider, this may exceed $4,500.

Additional fees may result from lost wages at work or the inability to get a job because of your criminal background.

For more information on DUI convictions and how to contest them, contact the Rhode Island DUI defense attorney James Powderly.

Joseph Devine

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Drinking and Driving Do Not Mix

February 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment

By Adriana N.  –

For as far back as people have been driving there have been problems with drinking and driving. Some people feel that if they only have a couple of drinks that they are perfectly fine to drive but this is not true. You should never get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you have had anything to drink.

There are so many things that could go wrong if you drive drunk. Of course you could end up in jail and with a hefty fine for driving while intoxicated but what about the innocent people you are putting in danger. Getting a DUI is probably the best scenario because the other scenarios end with someone losing a life.

When you drink and drive you are risking everything. You could end up wrecking and killing yourself or someone else. If you have a wreck while intoxicated and it results in someone’s death you could spend time in jail. If you take a life while driving drunk you can and probably will be charged with man slaughter.

Having to live with the fact that someone is dead because of the choices you made is not something anyone wants. There is nothing wrong with going out and having a few drinks as long as you have a plan for getting home. If you know you are going to be drinking then plan to have a designated driver or take a taxi home.

There is no reason to do drunk driving when a taxi will take you home for just a few dollars. That few dollars you spend on a taxi cab could save your life and someone else’s. Do not make the mistake of thinking that you can drive after having only a few drinks. You have probably heard someone say that they can actually drive better after having a few drinks but this is the alcohol talking.

No one can drive better when they are impaired. If you are out with friends and everyone is drinking be responsible and suggest that everyone take a cab or call a sober friend. When a group of friends are drinking together and it is time to leave the smart thing is not to ask who is sober enough to drive but to ask what is the number to the taxi cab company.

After having a few drinks it can be hard to make the right decision that is why planning before hand is important. If you are going to a bar for a few drinks be smart about it. Take a cab there and then you will have to call a cab to get home. When you know you are going to be drinking have someone else drop you off. There is a big problem in this country with underage drinking and driving as well.

It is important that you stress to your teens the importance of not driving after drinking. Of course you want to tell them they should not drink but if it happens they should know not to get in a car. Many teenage lives have been lost due to drunk driving.

Got a traffic tickets Ontario or criminal offence? Drunk driving Toronto can bring frightening consequences. Our experienced team of criminal lawyer Toronto and former police officers can help you defend your rights and ensure that you get the best possible outcome.

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Personal Breathalyzers – DUI Prevention Or Public Danger?

February 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment

By Eugene Cox –

Hand-held breathalyzers are becoming more and more popular for personal use. However, this surge in popularity does not come without its fair share of controversy. While breathalyzer manufacturers tout the benefits of using a personal breath test to determine one’s blood alcohol content (BAC) before driving law enforcement officials and organizations such as MADD warn the devices may cause more harm than good.

One of the principal criticisms of using personal breathalyzers is that the test will give the user a false sense of confidence in their ability to drive. Critics fear that a person may receive a BAC reading below the legal limit and decide to drive even though they are impaired. It is important to note that a person may receive a DUI or DWI even though they are below the legal limit. Further, some studies assert that a person may be impaired when they have a BAC of.05 or less while the legal limit is.08. Thus, a person using a personal breathalyzer could receive an accurate BAC reading that is below the legal limit but still be impaired while driving and create a danger to themselves as well as other drivers.

However, proponents of personal alcohol breath tests counter that the device still gives the user additional information when making the decision of whether they have had too much to drink. If the person uses this information to make an informed decision, knowing that the BAC reading does not alone indicate impairment the tool does serve a valuable purpose.

Another criticism that personal breathalyzers receive is that they may give an inaccurate reading that may encourage someone to drive even though they are impaired. Inaccuracies in breath tests might occur for a number of reasons, including unsophisticated sensors, extended periods of use without calibration, or even temperature variations in the environment or the user’s body.

Proponents claim that as long as the user acts responsibly, ensuring that the device is of high quality before purchasing and calibrating or replacing the sensor when needed, the breathalyzer will remain as effective as those used by law enforcement.

Basically, before a person purchases and uses a device they should take time to learn how the device works, read reviews of different models, and then make sure that the device stays in working order. It is also very important that the user know the limitations of the device and that a certain BAC level does not necessarily tell whether the user is impaired. Additionally, the user should be aware that they can be arrested despite their BAC level and that the police officer’s breathalyzer will likely be the reading entered as evidence in a DUI case.

Eugene Cox http://breathalyzerinterlocks.com/

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DUI Charges – What Has Changed?

February 9, 2010 By 1 Comment

By William Bly –

Most states in the United States have begun passing laws that crack down on people who drink and drive to the point that they are impaired by the alcohol. Regardless of whether an individual is charged with a DUI or DWI, the laws are much stricter than they were ten years ago, with more being drafted and/or implemented with each passing year. Before long, the legislature may look at lowering the legal limit once again…

Although the penalty phase for these charges is drastically different, state laws can be hard to understand, and even harder to interpret. Accordingly, the higher one’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is, the worse the penalty likely will be. Other potential sticky issues can be age and prior convictions for the same charge. Each of these can lead to harsher penalties.

Age can be an issue for those who get caught driving under the influence while under the age of twenty-one (or whatever the legal drinking age is in that area). If the person has any alcohol at all in their blood, it can result in strict penalties, such as losing driving privileges until age twenty-one or even twenty-five.

Having more than one conviction for this charge can also bring on harsher penalties and strict punishments. The more convictions that one has for this charge, the worse the punishment will be in most cases. This goes along with the new laws passed that attempt to strongly discourage driving while intoxicated or impaired, cut down on alcohol and drug-related accidents.

The punishments for even first-time offenders can be strict, in order to discourage individuals from getting the same charge a second time. For the first offense, people can receive hefty fines that must be paid within a given time period, jail time, probation, or be forced to complete community service. For most of these punishments, a license suspension is normally mandatory during the duration of the punishment. In addition, some people have to go through a course similar to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). You are almost guaranteed a hefty punishment if you are convicted for a second time.

This information is provided solely for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

As a practicing DUI attorney in Maine, William Bly of Nielsen and Bly spends a good part of his time on DUI charges and related issues. For additional info, consider visiting the firm’s Maine office location website today.

Article Source:  DUI Charges – What Has Changed?

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Drunk Driving DUI First Offense

February 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

By Earl Thomas Jr –

So you are pulled over for swerving and the next thing that you know, you are performing several roadside tests. You are then cuffed and placed in the back seat of the police car. He has your car towed and you are taken down to the police station where you are given the “official” breathalyzer test. After all is said and done, you are given several pink slips and left to find your way home because your car is impounded. You have been charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol.

What is this DUI (Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants) or sometimes referred to as DWI (Driving While Under the Influence of Intoxicants)? You are going to want to keep reading because the more you know about your charge, the procedures, etc. the more you are likely not to get in deeper trouble. It is a very serious charge and one that is prone to additional charges being added to it just to drive home a point. It quite possibly could destroy your record forever in the state in which you received the charge. People have been fired from jobs for this, making it that much more difficult to find further employment.

As of recently, meaning the past five years, all fifty states have taken a stand against driving under the influence punishments and are getting tougher and tougher.

Basically, you are considered too intoxicated to operate a motor vehicle when it is determined that your body’s alcohol count (BAC) is.08 or above. So when a cop pulls you over he knows very little about your state of being, that is of course, you are not completely trashed. He only finds out by asking you questions which you voluntarily answer (you give the officers less to work with if you don’t talk yourself into a hole). After this, and if he thinks you may be intoxicated, he gives you a voluntary road side test as well as a voluntary breathalyzer. From this he will determine if he needs to take you down to the station for processing.

Again, all the states have their own ways of dealing with DUIs and DWIs but if you are found guilty, no matter which state you are in, you will be losing your license anywhere from three months to two years. Immediately after you are charged, check on the state laws concerning DUIs/DWIs and grab an attorney ASAP. Also, it may be a good idea to enroll yourself into an intervention class (a class that revolves around substance abuse and driving). Any attorney would encourage this and can tell you the best place to go for these classes. This lets the courts know that you are actively seeking help.

Be warned though, you will be going into your pocket every step of the way. Be prepared for this. Everything costs… everything!

So go now before you do anything else and enroll in some type of alcohol intervention program. Do that first. Then get yourself an affordable, or if you like, an expensive lawyer. And let him/her advise you of your next steps and what you should expect from the courts.

DrunkDriverAnswers.com is dedicated to providing useful information to those who are dealing with or who have dealt with a DUI. Answers to all of your driving under the influence related concerns can be found at [http://www.drunkdriveranswers.com]http://www.drunkdriveranswers.com.

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DUI Cop Tactics Revealed

February 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment

By Amy Walsko -

Find Out Secret Tactics Cops Use To Pin A DUI On You.

Forget about a monthly quota – convicting lots of people for driving under the influence is just the kind of economic stimulus cities and states need these days just to get the cash needed to survive and offer basic governmental services. Combine this with the fact that the California DUI laws are getting stricter and stricter, and you’ll want to make sure you know what tactics police use to arrest as many people as possible.

Do not answer if a cop asks, “Have you been drinking?,” and do it respectfully. This is because anything you say can incriminate you. It is your right under the United States Constitution to request that your lawyer be present when you are being questioned. Most people, when faced with an authority figure, truthfully answer questions that are asked of them. But don’t take the bait, and don’t volunteer anything!

Refuse to take any field sobriety test. Let’s say you’re at a California DUI checkpoint, you’re overweight and/or middle aged. Watch out! You might not be as steady on your feet anymore, and passing a field sobriety test like the one-leg stand test and the walk-and-turn test may not be a slam dunk for you anymore. The cops know this and will definitely ask people like you to take these kinds of tests. But field sobriety tests are completely voluntary. If you’re asked to take them, it is your right to refuse, and you will not face any legal repercussions.

Get enough sleep. We all lead busy lives – busy lives leads to fewer hours of sleep and more blood-shot eyes. However, according to California’s per-se law, blood-shot eyes can be the circumstantial evidence used by cops to subjectively determine you to be an unsafe driver and, therefore, under the influence. Add to that the fact that studies show than a sleepy driver is as dangerous as a drunk driver, and it’s a convincing argument to get enough sleep.

You have to learn your California DUI laws. Police are banking on the fact that you don’t. And do not confuse refusing to take a field sobriety test with refusing to take a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) chemical test from a breathalyzer. Whereas refusing a field sobriety test carries no repercussions, refusing to submit to a chemical test will RESULT IN THE LOSS OF YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE ON THE SPOT. This is because California is an implied consent state; you gave your implied consent to a chemical test when your driver’s license was issued to you. Don’t become a DUI victim, learn your rights, and learn the laws in your state.

No matter how much you know about DUI laws, being irresponsible and driving drunk isn’t worth the overbearing consequences. In times of need, it’s good to know there is a DUI attorney directory that can help you, like myDUIattorney.org.

Article Source:  DUI Cop Tactics Revealed

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Realizing the Importance of DUI Lawyers in Your DUI Charges

December 21, 2009 By Leave a Comment

By William Kent –

Being caught with DUI is very common in the United States but this is no longer a big deal to many of the drivers because they know that they can find DUI Lawyers who can help them get out form the situation. In fact there is a better way for you to find DUI Lawyers who can request the court to reduce your punishments or even acquit you from your DUI case. Thus with the expertise of DUI Lawyers you do not have to carry your image as a drunk driver forever.

Although you can easily find DUI Lawyers who can defend you against your case, you should take for granted the DUI charges which will be filed against you because this can really affect your whole life. It can cause you to lose your job and even land you in prison. Some of the drivers who have been caught DUI do not make their way to find DUI Lawyers who can help them deal with their case but hiring DUI Lawyers can avoid your name to be imprinted in criminal record forever. This can hinder your success in the near future and so after you have been arrested, you should look for DUI Lawyers immediately to get out from your legal case in the soonest possible time.

You do not have to have a hard time in seeking reliable and trustworthy DUI Lawyers because you can find DUI Lawyers right from your computer. Yes, there are many competent DUI Lawyers who can assist you in facing your penalties. DUI Lawyers will dedicate their time and effort to study your case and to make sure that you can win it in the end. In fact the goal of DUI Lawyer is to avoid court proceedings which will waste much of your time and you will be declared not guilty after the arraignment. Or if you did not get the chance to be acquainted in your case, DUI Lawyers can at least reduce your penalties.

You have to tell all the details about your case to DUI Lawyers. This way, they will know what to take advantage to ensure your success in the case. Generally, DUI Lawyers will not charge you for some legal advice. You have to make sure that you choose the right DUI Lawyers so that you can keep track what is going on with your case. Since DUI Lawyers know the law, you have to listen to their every instruction. This way, you can avoid any wrong move which can give negative impact to your case.

DUI Lawyers will give your needed confidence and hope in this situation. Thus you have to be careful in hiring DUI Lawyers because they will be helping you in one of the most difficult situation n your life.

William Kent is a professional lawyer who is engaged in writing articles that revolve around the topic of legal issues such as the DWI or DUI cases. You can find most of the topics regarding his written works at this site: http://www.dwiattorney.com

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DUI and DWI – Is There a Difference?

December 8, 2009 By Leave a Comment

By Frank Schumacher –

How is DUI or “Driving Under the Influence” different from DWI or “Driving while Intoxicated or Impaired?”  It may be difficult to differentiate one from the other.  But while both refer to maneuvering a motor vehicle while under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol, the two vary in degree and details. It is noteworthy that different states in the U.S. treat DUI or DWI cases in different ways. Interestingly there are states that do not make a distinction between the two i.e. New Jersey and Virginia. Having the knowledge about DUI or DWI is essential in case you get charged for any of these offenses.

DUI is categorized as a misdemeanor and is in general considered less serious as it pertains to a lesser degree of intoxication. Thus penalties are lesser in severity. DUI can either be a criminal case or a civil case depending on the circumstances. It is considered a civil case if the offender is below 21 years of age. Otherwise, it is considered criminal. If the breathalyzer or blood test result is found to be under the legal alcohol limit, it is a civil case.

As for the punishments, someone arrested due to DUI for the first time will be fined a maximum of $5000 with no imprisonment. At the same time, the offender will have to undergo a minimum of 30 hours of community service as well as an alcohol awareness program. If caught again for the same violation, a higher fine with imprisonment is most likely the punishment.

On the other hand, DWI also known as Operating While Impaired or OWI is considered a greater offense. Like in DUI, the case can either be civil or criminal. A civil case implies that the offender is below the age of 21 and has tested above the legal limit of 0.10% or 0.8% BAC when subjected to a breathalyzer or blood test. Note that the legal alcohol limit varies depending on the state where the offense took place. In Arizona, for example, 0.8% BAC is the limit. A civil case of DWI can still be charged albeit the person’s refusal to go through sobriety test. If proven guilty, the offender will be fined a maximum of $5000, suspension of the offender’s driver’s license and imprisonment for a time depending on the number of violations the person had.

A criminal case of DWI is the most complex of all. This case involves someone above 21 years of age, has undergone sobriety test and found to have a BAC over the legal limit. Classified as a higher class of misdemeanor, someone proven guilty of a criminal case of DWI will be fined a minimum of $2000 plus imprisonment for at least 3 days. Alcohol awareness training may also be required.

It is imperative to hire someone who is knowledgeable of DUI cases specific to the state where one was arrested. If you got caught in Arizona, hire an Arizona DUI lawyer or a Phoenix DUI lawyer. There are a lot of lawyers specializing in DUI cases in Arizona.

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