They say that the best things in life are free. While there is truth in that, it’s also just as true that some of the worst things in life can be very expensive. Take, for example, an arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol.
For many people who have just been taken into custody, the first dollar signs flash before their eyes as they’re sitting in the back of the Denver Police squad car. They ask the officer what will become of their own vehicle. Don’t worry, the officer will reassure them, it will be towed and you can pick it up later.
The cost of towing is just the first of many expenses typically rung up in the course of a DUI arrest and conviction. Also in the mix are things such as fines (up to $1,000 for a first offense) and court costs.
If your Colorado driver’s license is suspended as the result of a conviction, you will likely have to pay dearly for alternate transportation to your job and just to get around town for shopping, errands, etc. For those who lose their jobs because of a DUI, the loss of income can be enormous in a short amount of time — that gets factored in, too, of course.
An ignition interlock device will also go on your tab, which can run about $150 for installation and another $50 or more per month for maintenance. Not only will driving your vehicle be more expensive because of the gadget, but the cost will rise, too, because of a very likely spike in your auto insurance premiums, according to bankrate.com.
Many people find it dollar-effective to fight the high financial and personal costs of a DUI by hiring an attorney experienced in defending clients accused of drunken driving. In many situations, charges can be reduced or even dropped and penalties minimized.
Please see our page about Why An Attorney Can Make a Difference to learn more about how the dedicated Denver DUI lawyers of Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C. can serve you.