Cost of DUI Charges in California

The moment that a person finds out that they have been charged with a DUI, one of their first thoughts is going to come down to the cost of the event.  While it may seem like the time in prison, a sobriety program, and suspended license are bad enough, most drivers become quite surprised when bill after bill begins to pour in after their DUI.  Without the help of our California DUI lawyer, drivers that are convicted of a DUI are going to be in over their head.

DUI laws in California seem simple on paper, but the situation can become quite complex once they make it into the courtroom.  The actual amount that the DUI costs is going to depend on dozens of factors, but there are a few basic charges that every conviction results in.

The base penalties for a misdemeanor DUI begin around $1,000 including court fees.  Two and impound fees will range from $200 to $1000 depending on the storage costs and the county.  Average DUI treatment programs will cost upwards of $750 while license reinstatement fees will be another few hundred dollars.  Ignition interlock devices may cost as much as $400 to install, maintain, and remove. These staggering numbers can triple or even quadruple for those that have been convicted of a felony DUI in California.

Of all of the California DUI penalties, the biggest surprise for most is the insurance costs.  Over the course of 10 years, insurance policy increases can total $10,000 to $40,000 for a single conviction.  For drivers that find these costs unaffordable and unmanageable, it is time to call on Mr. Ticket for a unparalleled legal defense.

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