The Average Cost of a DUI
Driving under the influence of alcohol can have devastating effects on innocent people and society at large. This is one of the reasons why criminal penalties for a DUI in Ohio can be so severe. As if the shame and consequences of a drunk driving arrest and conviction weren’t bad enough, a driving under the influence conviction comes with a hefty price tag, too. Your first DUI can cost upwards of $15,000 – even without property damage or anyone harmed. Here’s a breakdown of some of the expenses you can expect if you are convicted of a DUI offense in Ohio prepared by the Toledo, Ohio DUI Attorneys at Sawan & Sawan.
Tow and Impound Fees
Typically, after a DUI arrest, the arresting officer will tow the vehicle to a local impound lot. While on this lot, the vehicle will accrue tow and impound fees per day. Depending on how long the vehicle is impounded, these fees can add up fast.
Cost Estimate: $100-$1,000
Judicial Penalties
If you plead guilty or are convicted of a first OVI (operating a vehicle under the influence) offense, the judge may fine you a minimum of $375 and a maximum of $1,075. This penalty can be $2,750 depending on the circumstances of your situation.
Cost Estimate: $375-$2,750
Auto Insurance Increase
Insurance monthly premiums can be three to five times higher for a Driver with a DUI conviction than an auto liability policy for a driver with a clean driving record. You will also need to file an SR-22 form with the State’s Department of Motor Vehicles. An SR-22 is a “Proof of Financial Responsibility” form. It certifies that a driver has purchased at least the minimum required amount of liability insurance for their state. While every driver is required to carry this level of insurance, drivers with a DUI, a DWI, or citations for driving without insurance must also file an SR-22.
Cost Estimate: $800 – $3,000
Driver Intervention Program
If the judge sentences you to attend a Driver Intervention Program, there will be a cost associated with that program as well. In some circumstances, the Court may order an extended DIP program be completed, raising the cost substantially. In general, one 3-day program typically costs $200. To access the State of Ohio’s Driver Intervention Provider Program Database, please visit the Ohio Driver Intervention Program Directory website
Cost Estimate: $200 – $400
License Reinstatement Fees
When you are charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Ohio, you are subject to a number of different types of license suspensions, ranging from 6 months to an indefinite period of time. Under the termination of your suspension, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles charges a reinstatement fee to restore your license privileges. In Ohio, the State typically charges a reinstatement fee of $475 after an OVI/DUI conviction. To learn more about Ohio Reinstatement fees, please visit the BMV website.
Cost Estimate: $475
Attorneys Fees
On average, Ohioans report spending approximately $2,500 in attorney fees and we agree that is a reasonable expectation of the average cost of a DUI lawyer. This average includes responses from those who used public defenders rather than privately-hired attorneys – so the number can even be higher depending on the nature of the offense, the jurisdiction and quality of the representation sought and the time spent on your case. Complicated cases where the stakes are high and your DUI lawyer represents you all the way through a trial can increase the cost significantly.
Cost Estimate: $1,500 – $7,500
Total Estimated Cost of a DUI
$4,950 – $15,125
About the Authors: Sawan & Sawan is a Toledo, Ohio based Personal Injury, Civil Litigation Truck Accident, Car Accident and Insurance Law Firm with lawyers licensed to practice in Ohio, Florida, Michigan and Georgia.
Dennis E. Sawan
Licensed in Ohio and Florida
Dennis P. Sawan
Licensed in Ohio and Georgia
Christopher A. Sawan
Licensed in Ohio and Michigan
Contact an Attorney today to discuss your case.
At Sawan & Sawan, we offer free initial consultations. We represent clients in Ohio, Georgia, Michigan and Florida. From our family to yours.
Request A Call
Videos
More Content
discover our latest Articles
Probate for Personal Injury Settlements of Minors in Ohio If a minor is injured in Ohio, a probate court is going to have to approve
Minerva Middle School Settles Wrestler’s Injury Claim In Stark county, the Minerva Middle School was recently sued after a wrestler was allegedly injured, traumatized, and
When Is Incitement Not Protected Free Speech? The First Amendment protects a near limitless amount of political discourse, opinion and conjecture – but the right
7 High-Profile Celebrity Car Crashes As Car Accident Lawyers, we know that a car accident can happen to anyone – at any time. This includes
Writs of Prohibition in Ohio Writs of prohibition in the State of Ohio are extraordinary remedies that involve an exercise of judicial power that is
Supreme Court decision paves way for big change to Sovereign Immunity law In the month of December, the United States Supreme Court issued an important
Related Pages
Car Accident Lawyers
Ohio Car Accident Lawyers
Toledo Ohio Car Accident Lawyers
Columbus Ohio Car Accident Lawyers
Cleveland Ohio Car Accident Lawyers
Georgia Car Accident Lawyers
Savannah Georgia Car Accident Lawyers
Florida Car Accident Lawyers
Jacksonville Florida Car Accident Lawyers
Michigan Car Accident Lawyers
Personal Injury Lawyers
Ohio Personal Injury Lawyers
Toledo Ohio Personal Injury Lawyers
Columbus Ohio Personal Injury Lawyers
Cleveland Ohio Personal Injury Lawyers
Georgia Personal Injury Lawyers
Savannah Georgia Personal Injury Lawyers
Florida Personal Injury Lawyers
Jacksonville Florida Personal Injury Lawyers
Michigan Personal Injury Lawyers