For many of us, few things are more frightening than entering the criminal justice system. Be that as it may, due to a DUI, you have come to the attention of law enforcement. But do you know that in addition to jail time, probation, participation in/completion of alcohol highway safety school and possible treatment, you may face hefty fines and other financial penalties? For more information on the cost of a DUI in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, please continue reading, then contact an experienced Pittsburgh first DUI lawyer today.
How will it cost to sustain a conviction for DUI in Pennsylvania?
A DUI can set you back anywhere between $300 and $10,000, but that will ultimately depend on a host of factors, including your level of intoxication. The fine structure for a first DUI is broken down as follows:
General Impairment (Tier 1) DUI: Blood alcohol content between 0.08 and 0.099 percent
- A fine of up to $300
High BAC (Tier 2) DUI: Blood alcohol content between 0.10 and 0.15 percent
- A fine of up to $5,000
Highest BAC (Tier 3) DUI: Blood alcohol content of 0.16 percent or higher
- A fine of up to $5,000
These fines are compounded by things like:
- Participation in alcohol highway safety school: $200
- Ignition interlock device and installation: $1,000
- License reinstatement fee: Approximately $70
- Drug and alcohol assessment fee: $50
Please keep in mind that each time you sustain a conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, your fines and associated costs will increase dramatically. And if you drive for a living, or your occupation is predicated on your ability to drive, you will be further penalized by the expense of lost wages.
The Commonwealth wants to deter you from committing this offense again and so they will employ every means of punishing you.
Will your insurance cost more after a DUI in Pennsylvania?
Along with the fines and assorted fees, it is not unlikely that your auto insurance premium will be higher for years to come. As such, you might end up paying 30 or 45 percent more a month for the same coverage. In fact, for some DUI offenders, car insurance may become so expensive that they have to purchase a bond that can cost anywhere between $125 and $2,250 per year.
If these potential expenses intimidate you – and they should – you should reach out to a skilled Allegheny County DUI lawyer today.
Is an Allegheny County DUI lawyer cheaper than a conviction?
As always, that will depend on the factors in your case. However, while a good defense may seem more expensive in the short term, it will save you money in the long term. When you sustain a conviction for DUI, you will have to wait years, if ever, for the financial penalties to dissipate. Having a record may even prevent you from securing and/or maintaining employment. You should never face a DUI charge without a capable DUI defense lawyer working on your behalf.
Contact Our Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer
If you are facing a DUI charge, contact The Law Offices of George Heym to schedule your free initial consultation.
