Florida DUI Lawyers:
The High Cost of Driving While Intoxicated
Florida DUI lawyers never have to wait very long for a new client; there is never a shortage of drunk drivers. But, would they continue to refuse rides from sober friends, to call home, or to take a cab if they knew what the financial cost of breaking this law was? From the cost of having to hire a Florida DUI lawyer in the first place to the fines, the court costs, the restitution and the other associated expenses, maybe waving goodbye to dollar bills would be the best way for the average driver to finally agree to finding a designated driver.
First, there is the cost of losing your license and then trying to get it back. Your license will be gone anywhere from 10-90 days depending on how many prior convictions you have on your record. The cost to having your license reinstated: around $150.00 (You can also face losing your license for longer periods of time if convicted or could lose your license if you refuse to submit to a breath or urine test at the time of your arrest.)
You might also face the cost of having an ignition interlock device on your vehicle which not only carries a onetime installation fee, plus a deposit, but a monthly monitoring fee as well. Cost of the ignition interlock device: around $240.00 to start, $68.00 later. Florida DUI lawyers work hard to keep this from happening to their clients, but it is a requirement for a second offense. This is in addition to the cost of license reinstatement.
Next to consider: the cost of the court imposed fines. For a first offense, the fine will range from $250-$500. A second conviction will be $500-$1000 (for a second time offender the total so far is $890-1300). In addition, there is the cost of getting your car out of impound, (fees will vary depending on the county) the cost of hiring the Florida DUI and criminal defense lawyer, (again fees will vary) and other associated court costs. If you are required to do community service, you may be assessed an additional fine of $10 per hour of service.
If the dangers of drunk driving do not sink in, if the horrors of causing an accident do not stop you from driving while intoxicated, hopefully the cost (the above just scrapes the surface) of this crime will keep you from getting behind the wheel.