When trying to determine the cost of a DUI after an arrest many individuals just think about court fines that they will have to pay and how much it may be to hire a lawyer. However, the actual cost of a DUI depends on a variety of factors.
Whether you have been charged with a DUI for the first time or as a repeat offender you may want to understand how much it will cost you to deal with the charges that you are facing since each case is different. There are cases that will get resolved through a plea bargain and at times the case may end up going to court. Depending on the direction that your case takes it will affect the expenses of your case.
At our firm, we are committed to our clients and we want them to have as much information as possible when they come to us. A DUI can happen to anyone who is driving on the road and it can as well be one of the most expensive mistakes that an individual ever makes. Our Illinois DUI lawyers have years of experience and they can help you evaluate how much your case will cost you while helping you get a favorable plea.
Factors That Affect How Much a DUI Costs
If someone has previously had a criminal conviction for a DUI charge, then they will receive harsher penalties than someone who hasn't been convicted before. There are as well other factors that will influence how a DUI will cost.
Court Fines
In Illinois, when the alleged offender or drunk driver is convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) may face a fine ranging from $100 to $1,000. If the offense was committed while operating a commercial vehicle, the fine could range from $1,500 to $10,000. A conviction for DUI can result in jail time, license suspension, community service, probation, alcohol treatment, or any combination thereof.
The fees charged by the state depend upon the type of offense and whether the defendant has prior convictions. In addition, the amount of the fee increases if the defendant refuses to take a breath test or fails to pay the fee.
Penalties for a first-time DUI conviction are generally less severe than those for repeat offenders. However, penalties increase with each subsequent conviction. Repeat offenses carry higher fines, longer suspensions of driving privileges, and mandatory attendance at alcohol education programs.
Alcohol Courses
Alcohol courses are classes that help people learn how to drink responsibly. These classes teach students about the effects of drinking and how to avoid getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. Students who complete these classes have a lower chance of being involved in a car accident while under the influence of alcohol.
Alcohol classes are often referred to as sobriety court programs, which are designed to help people who have been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) get their lives back together. These programs are run by courts and are not considered treatment centers. They are meant to give people a chance at getting their lives back on track after they’ve been arrested for drunk driving. In some cases, these programs may require participants to attend AA meetings, complete community service hours, pay fines, and/or perform random drug tests.
The costs associated with DUI vary depending on where you live and what type of program you go through. If you choose to participate in an alcohol course, you will need to pay a fee before attending. You will also need to pay any fees associated with completing the program. Depending on how much you owe, you could end up paying anywhere from $100-$500 per month. After the course, individuals might get a breath alcohol ignition interlock or alcohol ignition interlock devices so they can be allowed to drive again. Also, they will have to cater to the cost of installation
They may also have to go through alcohol screening or alcohol evaluation and have their blood alcohol concentration taken as a precaution for drunken driving.
SR-22 Insurance Costs
The cost of SR-22 insurance varies depending on where you live in Illinois. In some places, it's free; in others, it costs $50-$100 per month. If you're looking to get SR-22 insurance, here's how much it'll cost you in each state.
SR-22 insurance is mandatory if you have been convicted of a DUI in Illinois. You may not know that SR-22 insurance is different than liability insurance, but it is. SR-22 insurance covers your car insurance company if they need to repossess your vehicle due to a DUI conviction.
As a result of a DUI conviction in Illinois, you'll want to make sure you have SR-22 insurance before you drive again. If you don't have SR-22 insurance, your car insurance company could decide to cancel your policy. That means you won't be able to drive legally until you pay off your SR-22 insurance.
In Illinois, SR-22 insurance costs between $25 and $100 per month. Your monthly payment will depend on what type of coverage you choose. There are two types of SR-22 insurance: SR-22A and SR-22B.
SR-22A
This type of SR-22 insurance only covers your auto insurance company if they need your car to recover any money owed to them. SR-22A doesn't cover anything else.
SR-22B
This type of SR 22 insurance covers everything. It includes your car insurance company if you owe them money, plus any other expenses related to your DUI.
License Reinstatement and Transportation Costs While You Can't Drive
If you have been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or any other alcohol-related offense, you may not be able to get a driver's license. However, if you've had your license suspended due to a DUI conviction, you may be eligible to reinstate your license. In Illinois, if you have been convicted of DUI (driving under the influence) and have not yet completed probation, you may still receive a license suspension. If you do not complete the requirements of your court order, you could lose your driver's license. In addition, if you are charged with a subsequent offense, you could face additional penalties including jail time.
Reinstatement means that you are able to drive again without any restrictions. However, you cannot use alcohol or drugs while driving. You also need to pay fines and fees associated with your conviction for the reinstatement process to be completed. When you get your license back, you will have to pay all fines and fees associated with the original charge. You will also have to take a drug test before getting your license reinstated.
Average Cost of a DUI Lawyer
A DUI arrest can lead to serious consequences, including jail time, license suspension, and higher insurance rates. A good DUI lawyer can help you avoid these penalties. An experienced lawyer can help you fight the charges and get your record expunged.
In some cases, a DUI conviction can result in jail time, probation, community service, fines, and license suspension. A good DUI lawyer will help you understand what you are facing and how best to handle your situation.
The average cost of hiring a lawyer for a DUI case in Illinois is between $300-$500. This includes attorney fees, court costs, and any fines associated with the case. If you have been charged with a DUI, you should hire a lawyer right away. You may not know much about the law, but if you don't hire a lawyer, you could lose valuable time and money.
The set amount is based on the complexity of your case and the experience of your lawyer. Your lawyer's hourly rate will determine how much you spend.
What Affects How Much a DUI Lawyer Will Cost?
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, you may want to consider hiring a lawyer who specializes in these types of cases. There are many different kinds of DUI attorneys, including those who specialize in traffic law, drug offenses, alcohol-related crimes, and juvenile cases. You should choose a lawyer who has experience handling similar cases and who can help you understand the specific laws pertaining to your situation. With that being said there are a variety of factors that will affect how much a DUI lawyer will cost. Some of them have been mentioned below.
Your Criminal History
The first thing that affects how much a DUI lawyer will cost in Illinois is your criminal history. If you have been convicted of any crimes before, then you will likely pay higher rates than someone who hasn’t had any previous convictions. In addition, if you have committed previous driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol criminal offenses, then you will likely face higher fees than someone who has never been charged with a DUI. First time offenders have a higher chance of getting a lesser charge compared to repeat offenders.
Your Case Details
Next, the details of your case will affect how much a DUI lawyer in Illinois will charge you. Factors like your BAC level, whether you took a breathalyzer or not, or if you were involved in an accident can affect how much an attorney will charge.
Additionally, the type of charge you are facing will affect how much a lawyer will charge. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor DUI, you will likely pay less than someone charged with a felony DUI. A misdemeanor charge carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. However, if you were convicted of a felony DUI, then you could face anywhere from two years in prison to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Their Prior Experience
One other thing that affects how much your DUI lawyer will cost you, is their prior experience. If the firm's primary focus is on criminal defense or DUI charges it may be more expensive than a firm that primarily represents clients in family or injury law and has only handled a few DUI cases.
How to Find the Right DUI Lawyer
After you hire a drunk driving attorney they will begin working on your case right away. They will meet with you to discuss your charges and determine whether you qualify for certain programs. Once they have determined that you qualify for some type of program, he will file paperwork to request that you participate in it. Depending on the circumstances of your case, he may ask you to enter a diversionary program instead of going to trial.
You can find a DUI lawyer near you by contacting local bar associations, online directories, and the yellow pages. You can also search for DUI lawyers using Google. A good lawyer will make sure that you receive proper legal representation throughout the entire court system. They will ensure that you do not sign anything without reading it first. The legal counsel will advise you about how to best handle your case and will represent you at each hearing.
Our lawyers have represented a variety of clients that have been in a similar situation to yours and we are confident that we can help you too. We have helped our clients get a favorable plea bargain deal or the best possible outcome based on your situation. Book your initial consultation and let a criminal defense attorney listen to you and help you through a smooth process.