DUI fines may be one part of the criminal punishment that results in a DUI conviction. DUI fines are determined through the criminal justice system. The factors that affect DUI fines include the specific facts of a defendant’s case and the state or jurisdiction where the crime took place. DUI fines are intended to punish a DUI convict and deter him/her from committing similar offenses in the future.
In addition to DUI fines, DUI penalties can include possible jail time, a probation period, and the restriction or revocation of a person’s driving privileges. The criminal justice system may also require that a person complete DUI school, community service, or a drug/alcohol treatment program. These requirements can increase the overall DUI fines that a perpetrator will be required to pay. In some cases, the completion of such programs can reduce the DUI fines required by the criminal justice system.
DUI fines and other penalties can be enhanced under a number of circumstances. Defendants who had a child in the vehicle at the time of the incident, those who were traveling at excessive speeds, those with a relatively high blood alcohol concentration (BAC), those who caused property damage or personal injury, those who refuse chemical testing, and those with a prior DUI conviction may face increased DUI fines and other penalties.
DUI fines vary depending on circumstance and jurisdiction. In some states, the DUI fines imposed on an offender range from five hundred to one thousand dollars for a first offense. In some states, DUI fines can reach up to fifteen thousand dollars for those who have had prior DUI convictions. These DUI fines are the only fines imposed on a convict by the criminal justice system. The department of motor vehicles may also impose DUI fines. When considering DUI fines, a defendant also has to take into consideration the time that will be required of DUI legal proceedings, the money required to secure good legal help, and a variety of other related costs.
DUI fines may also include changes in the insurance premiums you will be required to pay for automobile insurance. A DUI conviction will go on an offender’s permanent criminal record as well as their department of motor vehicle record. Department of motor vehicle records is accessible to insurance companies, as well as a variety of other interested parties such as potential employers and the like. When insurance companies find that a policyholder has a DUI conviction, they may elect to increase the cost of insurance or drop coverage altogether. This factor may be important when considering the total implication of DUI fines.
If you have been charged with a DUI offense, securing the professional help of a legal DUI defense expert can be highly advantageous. DUI defense attorneys know the laws applicable to your case and may be able to find ways to reduce DUI fines and other penalties. A qualified and experienced lawyer can protect and maximize your interests in a DUI case.