The Financial Implications of an Arizona DUI Conviction
Driving under the influence can have devastating and long-term consequences. Even if you are not injured in an accident or do not get into an accident while you are driving under the influence, a DUI conviction can stay with you for a long time. It can keep you from getting jobs or cause you to lose your driving privileges. You may have to serve jail time or put in a lot of community service hours.
Even if you manage to avoid jail time or community service, you will still end up paying a lot if you are convicted. Here’s a look at the financial implications of being convicted of DUI in Arizona:
Fines
To start, you will be charged a fine for your DUI conviction. The exact amount will depend upon the severity of the offense, such as if you have a higher blood-alcohol content, you were involved in an accident, it is a repeat DUI, or if you harmed anyone. However, you can be ordered to pay fines of up to $2,500 for your conviction.
Keep in mind that you will also be ordered to pay court costs. Your fines may be slightly less, but with the court costs, you could pay up to $2,500.
Tests and Counseling
Most penalties are punitive, but some convictions are followed up with rehabilitative measures, as well. In Arizona, if you are convicted of a DUI, you will be ordered to take alcohol counseling classes, as well as to undergo periodic alcohol screening tests. You will be responsible for paying for these, and they can cost you up to $500, depending on how many you have to take and where you get them.
Ignition Interlock Device
Following a DUI conviction, you may also be ordered to install an ignition interlock device. This device attaches to your vehicle’s ignition, and you must breathe into it to prove that you are not under the influence in order to start the car. Again, you will have to pay for this device, and it can cost up to $1,000. You will also have to pay to have it installed on your vehicle.
Extra Insurance
A DUI conviction will surely result in a spike in your insurance rates. You may be shocked to see how much your rates go up after your conviction. In some cases, you may even lose your insurance coverage, and you may have a hard time finding a company that will offer you coverage.
You are also likely going to have to get an SR22 filing. This isn’t a kind of insurance, but a filing that your insurance company has to send to the authorities to prove that you are maintaining insurance coverage. Your insurance company is likely going to charge you more for doing this.
Driving Privileges
You can lose your driving privileges for a long time after a DUI conviction. If your license is suspended, you will have to pay money to get it back. You may have to take a driving course, or you may need to work with an attorney to help you get it back. The costs can fluctuate wildly depending on what you have to go through to reinstate your driver’s license.
Being convicted of a DUI can cost you a lot of money. You can pay that and move on, but you’ll end up dealing with the repercussions for a long time to come. It’s better if you hire a DUI attorney in Mesa to represent you and help you get a reduced conviction or reduce penalties.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, your Mesa DUI attorney may even be able to help you avoid conviction entirely. You’ll pay for the expert assistance of the attorney, but you’ll end up saving money in the long run and protecting your future.
If you have been charged with a DUI in Arizona, My AZ Lawyers may be able to help you. Our experienced DUI defense lawyers will fight to help you avoid conviction. If that’s not possible, our DUI defense attorneys will explore every legal option to minimize your charges and penalties. Our goal is to help you protect your rights and your future. Call us in Mesa today to speak with one of our DUI attorneys about your case.
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Mesa, AZ 85202
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