2024 How Much Does A DUI Cost in California?

In California, being charged with DUI (Driving Under the Influence) can be a very expensive experience. Some may ask the question, how much does a DUI cost in California? People often don’t realize how much it costs, and it’s not just fines and court fees. Getting a DUI can cost much more, including fines from the state, higher insurance rates, required classes, and even indirect costs like lost wages.

Cost of a DUI in California

There is no one cost that comes with having a DUI. There are many factors that will determine the amount a person may have to pay. Speaking with an attorney can help you understand the specific circumstances of your case and know how much you can expect in costs.

Fines and Court Fees

The fine the court gives you is a direct cost of being found guilty of a DUI in California. As a first-time offender, your fine depends on the details of your case. Fines often get bigger for repeat offenders. The court usually adds other fees, like court costs and charges, on top of the base fines. This can increase the total amount you have to pay.

Costs of Legal Representation

To protect your rights and understand the complicated California DUI rules, you need to hire a DUI lawyer. The cost of a lawyer depends on how experienced they are, how well-known they are, and how complicated your case is. Some lawyers charge a flat fee, while others charge by the hour. It may seem expensive to hire a lawyer, but if they do their job well, they can get you a lighter sentence or even get your case thrown out, which could save you money in the long run.

More Expensive Insurance Premiums

One of the biggest long-term costs of getting a DUI charge is that it will likely raise your car insurance rates. If you get a DUI, your insurance company may see you as a high-risk driver, causing your rate to increase.

A DUI in California stays on your record for several years, and during that time, your insurance rates will be much higher. Some insurance companies may even cancel your policy, forcing you to find coverage from a high-risk company for a higher price.

Programs for DUI Education and Treatment

In California, people who have been convicted of a DUI often have to go through treatment or education classes. How long these programs last depends on how severe the crime was and whether it’s a first, second, or subsequent offense.

It can be expensive to join these programs, and longer programs typically cost more. For example, a first-time offender may have to go through a three-month program, while repeat offenders may have to go through a 12-month program.

DMV Fees and Getting a New License

If you are found guilty of a DUI, your driver’s license will likely be taken away, and there are fees to pay to get it back. You may have to pay a fee to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and show that you have met all the requirements, like finishing a DUI program or installing an ignition interlock device (IID). These fees add to the total cost of a DUI.

Ignition Interlock Device

Many people who have been convicted of DUI in California have to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in their car. An IID is a tester that will keep your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. The offender is responsible for installing, supporting, and keeping an eye on the device, which can be a substantial ongoing cost. If you need an IID for a long time, it can significantly add to the cost of your DUI.

Other Fees for Getting a DUI

In addition to the direct costs, a DUI arrest can also have many other effects. For instance, you may lose money because of having to go to court, completing required programs, or going to jail. If your job depends on having a driver’s license, losing it could make it very hard to make a living. Having a DUI on your record can also make it harder to get professional licenses or work in certain fields, which could have long-term financial effects.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Average Cost of a DUI in California?

A: The costs of driving under the influence in California can vary. It includes fines, court fees, higher insurance rates, and other costs. In addition to court fines, people often have to go through required DUI programs, may have to use an ignition interlock device, and pay DMV fees. The cost of insurance can also go up significantly. Adding up all the costs can be high, especially when you consider the long-term effects.

Q: What Is the Penalty for a First DUI in California?

A: A first-time DUI in California usually results in fines, probable jail time, and obligatory DUI education programs. The offender’s driver’s license may also be suspended for a set amount of time, and an ignition interlock device may be required. In some situations, probation may be enforced instead of jail time. The severity of the punishment varies according to factors such as blood alcohol content and aggravating conditions.

Q: Is It Worth Fighting a DUI in California?

A: In California, it may be worth it to fight a DUI charge, especially if there are strong arguments or mistakes made in the arrest process. If you hire an experienced lawyer, you may get the charges dropped, the fines lowered, or even the case thrown out. Because a DUI conviction can have long-lasting legal and financial effects, it is important to explore all of your legal options before agreeing to the penalties.

Q: How Long Does a DUI Last in California?

A: A DUI conviction in California affects your driving record and insurance rates for years. However, a DUI conviction might affect future DUI sentences and punishments for a certain number of years. After that time, subsequent DUI punishments do not consider the prior DUI. Some circumstances allow expungement, although the record will remain for specific purposes.

Contact Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys

If you have been charged with a DUI, you do not have to navigate the legal process alone. Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys can help. Contact us today for more information.

About The Author

Ernest Lee

Attorney Ernest Lee, Esq., is the founder of Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys in San Diego, California, specializing in personal injury, criminal defense, and consumer protection. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Law in 1999 and has been licensed to practice law in California since December 2001. Attorney Lee has been recognized as a Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyers magazine annually since 2021, an honor awarded to the top 5% of attorneys in San Diego County.Education: Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Law, 1999. Professional Associations: Member of the State Bar of California since December 2001. Experience: Founder of Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys, focusing on personal injury, criminal defense, and consumer protection; recognized as a "Super Lawyer" since 2021.

View all posts by Ernest Lee →