DWI Costs: The Hidden Expenses
Posted on Sep 19, 2012 10:28am PDT
When you are charged with a DWI, you may be issued a fine. While this large payment may be irritating, it represents one of the many expenses that you will need to pay in regards to your DWI. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, DWI costs can quickly add up. First, your fine could be up to $2,000 for driving while drunk or under the influence of drugs. While this is probably the only expense that you will see listed on your sentences, it is just the tip of the iceberg. You may also need to pay for bail. In Texas, the average bail is posted at $2,075. You will probably have to pay your buddy back for the costs after you are out from behind bars.
Once you are out of jail, you will want to hire an excellent DWI lawyer to help with your case. While this is almost mandatory, lawyers can be a bit expensive. Normally lawyer fees run at an average of $4,800 for a DWI trial. Next, you will probably have to cover county fees. These are expenses that are tagged onto your bill because of your DUI and can run up to $1,000. In Texas, the average county fee runs at about $780.
Then there is a court-ordered class fee. If you are told that you need to take a drivers safety course or attend an alcoholic rehabilitation program, then you will need to pay for the enrollment. This normally costs about $300. Also, your insurance premiums are going to skyrocket after your DUI. This is because the offense will go on your record. Normally, your premiums will jump about $246 higher and remain at this higher rate for at least five years.
Then there is a license fee. This is the high price that you will need to pay to have your license reinstated after it is suspended following your DWI. This normally costs about $1,950. You may also need to pay a DWI surcharge after your conviction. This is a payment that you will need to send to the DMV for up to three years after your license is reinstated. A DWI surcharge can be up to $1,000 per year. As well, when you arrested you will need to pay for your car to get towed. This can cost well over $100.
You may also need to pay for the storage yard or lot where your car is placed while you are in jail and dealing with your conviction. With all of these expenses following a DUI, you won’t just be paying the $2,000 fine associated with your crime. Instead, you will be paying an average of $17,000 by the time your trial is finished. That’s why you want to contact The Law Office of Troy P. Burleson today to get optimum representation on your case! With a great DWI attorney, you may be able to reduce or dismiss your charges, and lessen the impact that your mistake will have on your wallet!