Drunk Driving Behavior and Dealing with DUI Penalties

For many offenders, drunk driving is a habitual problem. Not only has the average drunk driver driven drunk 80 times before a first arrest, according to the Center for Disease Control, but the Transportation Research Board reports that 50 to 75 percent of convicted drunk drivers continue to drive on a suspended license. It's also true that kids who start drinking young are seven times more likely to be in an alcohol-related crash.

The fact that drunk driving is a recurring behavior and the fact that someone dies from a drunk-driving accident, on average, every 53 minutes, helps explain the stiff penalties associated with this crime. A slap on the wrist simply isn't a sufficient deterrent for the majority of DUI offenders. But whether you're trying to turn your life around or simply minimize the effects of a DUI charge, it's important to understand the potential penalties and consequences and work to address them as soon as possible.

DUI Penalties

Between fines, bail money, court costs, attorney fees, insurance, alcohol education classes, drivers license reinstatement fees, and other penalties, a first DUI offense might cost somewhere between $5,000 and $25,000. And this assumes there are no injuries or property damage as a result of the drunk driving. One of the first things to do to determine how much the process will cost and to possibly mitigate some of these costs is to apply for a court-appointed attorney. Many states will pay for attorney services for those who lack financial means.

The worst thing you can do is avoid the issue. Many people who are charged with a DUI can retain their driver's license, at least temporarily, under an appeals process. To make preparations for going without a license and to avoid driving with a suspended license, filing this appeal is an important step, but there is often a short window of opportunity to file this appeal. Often, an attorney can take care of this appeal for you, so again it's wise to seek out legal counsel as soon as possible.

Cost/Benefit Analysis

Needless to say, many people depend on their vehicle to get to work. For this reason, the court may grant a DUI offender limited driving privileges to maintain gainful employment. Even still, there are additional costs associated with maintaining limited driving privileges. To save on indirect DUI penalties, it may be a good idea to evaluate whether there are alternate ways to get to work, or even a different job altogether.

Indeed, individual circumstances can lead certain DUI penalties to hit some offenders harder than others. Most convictions come with a probationary period in which it may be necessary to jump through additional hoops. It may also limit your ability to leave the state-a huge problem for some people and a non-issue for others. Some people even opt to serve jail time to avoid the prolonged hassles associated with probation. This is yet another reason to find legal representation early on in the process. By understanding all your legal options and potential penalties, you can pursue a path that maximizes your ability to prepare for these costs and avoid others altogether.