How much does a First Offense DUI cost?

There is no way around it, getting arrested for a DUI is expensive and getting charged in court with a DUI is even more expensive, but how expensive is a DUI conviction?

Most jurisdictions will tow and impound your vehicle if you are arrested for DUI.  Impound and tow fees cost hundreds of dollars. 

If you are taken to jail, you may have to bail out.  Bail in Fresno County for a DUI is $5,000; however, both Vehicle Code Sections 23152(a) and 23152(b) are almost always charged so bail will be $10,000.  A bail company will charge 10% of the total bail which means you will have to spend $1,000 to get out of jail.

Now you need to hire an attorney.  The consequences of getting convicted of a DUI are severe (possible 6 months jail, criminal fines, license suspension, DUI class, increased insurance costs) so you better hire an experienced DUI attorney.  An experienced attorney will likely charge you between $3,000 and $5,000 and this does not include the attorney's trial fee which will probably be an additional $3,000 - $5,000.

If you are convicted the court will order you to pay fines.  Once penalty assessments and fees are added to the criminal fine, the court will want almost $2,000.  The required Alcohol Education Class (CA avg.) costs $500.  Your automobile insurance will also dramatically increase for several years and the DMV license re-issue fee is $125.

What is your time worth?  You will likely miss several days of work to attend court hearings, meet with your attorney, and to attend the Alcohol Education Class.  You will also be sentenced to jail time or community service.  Are you required to drive for your job?  Your license will be suspended.  Will you lose your job?

As you can see, a DUI is very expensive, $12,000 - $15,000 is not unrealistic.