DUI Costs and Fees
The statutory penalties for driving under the influence are incredibly harsh. You may be sentenced to 50 hours of community supervision, participate in a DUI program, license suspension and face possible time behind bars. Unfortunately, this doesn’t even consider the fines, fees and hidden costs surrounding DUI charges.
Defending yourself from DUI charges is incredibly expensive. Even if the judge doesn’t determine you to be guilty, the costs associated with DUI are incredibly overwhelming. Hidden costs such as bail, insurance spikes, ignition interlock costs, DUI school and towing can hurt your financial situation. These don’t even include the court costs and fines you may encounter upon probation or post-release.
If you or someone you know has been charged with DUI, it’s important you seek an experienced criminal defense attorney to assist you.
DUI Defense Attorney Explains Cost of Trial in Palm Beach County, FL
The cost of a trial is immense and even covering the expenses surrounding an arrest are astounding. Whether you’re convicted or not, you may face serious financial hardship. If you or someone you know has been charged with DUI, it’s vital you understand how the cost of a DUI.
For an experienced and skillful attorney, we suggest you call Meltzer & Bell, P.A., Our legal team will do whatever we can and try every legal option until your charges are reduced or dismissed. Pick up the phone and dial (561) 557-8686 to set up you first consultation free.
Meltzer & Bell, P.A. accepts clients throughout the greater Palm Beach county including West Palm Beach, Wellington, Boca Raton, Jupiter and Lake Worth.
Overview of DUI Costs in Florida
- DUI Costs and Fees After an Arrest in FL
- Court Fines for DUI Trial in Florida
- FL Costs and Fines After a DUI Conviction
- Insurance Premiums After a DUI Conviction
- Additional Resources
DUI Costs and Fees After an Arrest in FL
Most people who are accused of DUI are arrested as a result. The arrest and booking process is long and overwhelming, but more importantly it’s costly. You will be required to pay fees and face losses associated with the arrest such as:
- Bond funds – $150 – $2,500;
- Towing fees – $100 (Plus additional fees for every day the car is in storage);
- Transportation fees – $15 – $20;
- Vehicle impoundment fees – $150 or more; and
- Lost wages from missed work.
After you’re released, then you will have to face the costs associated with your license suspension. Anyone charged with DUI will have their license administratively suspended after 10 days of the suspension notice. You can contest the suspension by scheduling a hearing before the 10-day deadline and bring legal representation to fight for your driving privileges.
If your hearing is successful, then you could obtain a hardship license. This is a type of restricted license that allows you to drive during certain times of day for certain activities such as getting essential household needs or commuting to work.
The following are all the projected costs associated with your license suspension.
- Attorney’s fees;
- Administrative fee – $130
- Suspension fee – $45;
- Revocation fee – $75;
- Filing fee for Formal Review – $25;
- DUI program assess fee – $15;
- Interlock fee for vendor assessment – $12;
- Cost of hardship license – $223; and
- Possible installation of an ignition interlock device – $170 plus monthly payments of $60
Court Fines for DUI Trial in Florida
Driving under the influence can result in serious consequences. What you might not know is that conviction also means incredibly huge court fines. Depending on the factors of the case, the fines could be enhanced even further. Listed below are the fines associated with a guilty verdict for driving under the influence.
|
First Conviction |
Minimum of $500; maximum of $1,000. |
|
Second Conviction |
Minimum of $1,000; maximum of $2,000. |
|
Third Conviction |
Minimum of $2,000; maximum of $5,000. |
|
First Conviction with aggravating factors |
Minimum of $1,000; maximum of $2,000. |
|
Second Conviction with aggravating factors |
Minimum of $2,000; maximum of $4,000. |
|
Third Conviction with aggravating factors |
Minimum of $2,000; maximum of $5,000. |
|
DUI with Property Damage or Injury |
Maximum of $1,000 |
|
DUI with Serious Bodily Injury |
Maximum of $5,000 |
|
Fourth DUI within 10 years |
Maximum of $5,000 |
|
DUI Manslaughter |
Maximum of $10,000 |
Fines and Costs After a DUI Conviction in Florida
It may seem unbelievable, but the fees don’t stop after a verdict is given. Many people convicted of DUI are also required to complete the conditions as a part of the sentencing. One of these includes DUI school, which are classes designed to deter offenders from driving drunk in the future. The following costs for DUI school include:
- Level I DUI class – $275;
- Level II DUI class – $420; and
- Substance abuse evaluation and treatment costs.
DUI offenders who are released on probation have their own hidden costs and fees. These can include the following:
- Supervision fees – $40 monthly;
- Intake or drug testing – $17 to $20 for each test; and
- Rehabilitation costs.
Insurance Premium Costs After DUI in Florida
Other costs associated with DUI conviction involve your insurance. Many motor vehicle insurance companies state convicted DUI offenders must file an FR-22. An FR-22 is similar to a SR-22 and is required after certain criminal convictions but has much higher liability limits.
If you have been convicted of DUI, then you must obtain an FR-44 Form to reinstate your driver’s license. You will be required to maintain that FR-44 for three years to retain your license. It will change your status to “high risk” with your insurance company and it’s likely your premiums will skyrocket as a result.
The Florida FR-44 form follows the 100/30/50 liability limits. These limits include:
- Bodily injury liability – $100,000;
- Every re-occurrence – $300,00; and
- Property damage liability – $50,000.
To reinstate your license you must pay:
- First suspension – $150;
- Second suspension – $250; and
- Third suspension – $500. ‘
Additional Resources
DUI First Offender Program – Visit the official website for the 15th Judicial Circuit of Florida to learn more about Palm Beach county’s first offender program. Access the document to see if you’re eligible for the program, the requirements and stages to graduation.
Florida DUI Laws – Visit the official website for the Florida Statutes, which displays all the state laws and legislation. Access the site to learn more about DUI penalties, elements and diversion programs available for types of offenders.
Lawyer Explains DUI Costs and Fees in Palm Beach County, FL
If you or someone you know has been arrested for DUI, then it’s important you secure legal counsel. One great option is to contact Meltzer & Bell, P.A.. We have defended DUI defendants for years. Using our skills and techniques, our lawyers can create a sturdy defense for you.
Call us now at (561) 557-8686 to schedule an appointment. We will sit and listen to your questions while providing answers and legal options for you. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. accepts clients throughout the greater West Palm Beach area.