Average Cost of a DUI/DWI
If you end up being convicted of DUI or DWI in Virginia, what will this criminal offense cost you?
Possibly plenty.
In addition to minimum mandatory fees, court costs and legal defense, drivers may end up paying higher insurance, added commuting costs due to suspended licenses,and much more.
Breaking Down the Monetary Cost of DUI
Let’s take a look at some of the average expenses, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles:
- First Time Offenders – pay at least $250, plus one year driver’s license suspension.
- Second Time Offenders – pay at least $500, three year license suspension, and up to one year imprisonment in some cases. If the driver has committed this DUI with a prior within the space of ten years, he or she will need to serve at least five days in jail, according to compulsory guidelines.
- Third Time Offenders – offenders who commit DUI three times within a ten-year period will have their license suspended indefinitely. In addition, offenders will need to pay $1000 in fines, and will also be charged with a Class 6 Felony. Other penalties include a mandatory minimum sentence of three-months’ jail time, and vehicle impoundment.
- 3RD time DUIs within 5 years require a compulsory six month jail sentence.
Other Facts
Penalties may be weighed by the blood alcohol count at the time of the arrest, including past DUI convictions.
Virginia has a strict tolerance policy for driving while under the influence, and individuals under the age of 21 will be subjected to the same penalties as an adult over this age range.
These court fees aren’t the only expenses to face. Drivers are required to submit an SR-22 form to their insurance firms upon license reinstatement. When this form is submitted, insurance premiums will usually go up due to the increased risk of the driver.
The VASAP program, otherwise known as Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program, is usually mandated for first time offenders. It will usually take a least 20 hours of the driver’s time, and is broken down in at least 10 classes for two hour sessions. The driver must pay to enroll and attend these alcohol education classes, which average around $100 per session.
Retaining Driving Privileges
Is there any way to keep driving legally, having committed a DUI?
The law stipulates license suspension, even for first-time offenders. However, there may be some leniency for retaining driving privileges. In this event, the license will be restricted, and drivers will need to install an ignition interlock device that checks for sobriety each time the driver attempts to start their engine. The installation of this device will cost drivers out-of pocket.
Ultimately, drivers can end up paying several thousands of dollars for one DUI, and this cost rises with each new offense.
