A DUI conviction does not just mean jail time, it also means hefty fines, costs, fees and assessments from the court. And these fees do not include attorney fees, alcohol/drug assessment costs, or costs for alcohol/ drug classes, victim’s panels. Following are just some (certainly not all) costs that folks need to consider when facing a DUI conviction: (1) Probation costs - whether it is a first or a second offense a judge is going to put the defendant on probation. At a minimum, the defendant will be on records check for the duration of the 5 years of probation; he pays for this ‘service’. The cost simply for a records check is $10 a month. (2) Ignition interlock device - on a first offense DUI conviction the Court by law is required to impose an ignition interlock device. This will need to be installed on any vehicle the defendant drivers for a period of at least 1 year. Most ignition interlock companies charge around $100 a month for the device. There may also be an installation fee, and monthly calibration fees to boot. The cost of an ignition interlock device for 1 year is approximately $2000. (3) Court fines - the base Court fines on a DUI is between $1000-$1200, depending on the blood alcohol level of the defendant. (4) Insurance increase - a DUI carries two types of insurance increases. First, the requirement of SR22 insurance that comes with any sort of driver’s license suspension; on a first offense DUI in Seattle or Washington State SR 22 insurance is required for at least 3 years. Second, the increase associated with one’s insurance policy.
If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of a DUI, immediately contact a Seattle DUI attorney. A Seattle DUI lawyer is not going to judge you, and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle DUI lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce those penalties, and can help direct people on how to best deal with their DUI charge. So it should go without saying that someone cited for DUI should hire a qualified Seattle DUI lawyer as soon as possible. Driving Under the Influence charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with DUI in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle DUI lawyer