An expensive drive home

Everyone knows it's unsafe to drive under the infuence of alcohol.  However, it may be unclear to most drivers how many drinks can be consumed before they consider themselves "under the influence".  Many  people may make the statement, "I only had one or two drinks.  I'm not drunk."  So when does impairment of your driving begin?  The fact is, impairment begins with the first drink.  Operating motor vehicles while impaired will risk your life, those who ride with you and others on the road.  We all know  that.  What happens if you are arrested for driving under the influence? The fact is it can be very expensive.  Think about what the costs are: Getting charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime that costs time, money, aggravation, and causes embarrassment.  If there is a motor vehicle crash as well, the consequences are even greater. If there’s a crash that  results in death, it’s more than a DUI—it’s a felony.

Take a hard look at some of the costs for a first-time DUI arrest.

Is it worth it?

CRIMINAL CHARGES

You can expect to pay as much as $300 to $5000 in fines and other legal fees of several thousand dollars.

As with all criminal charges, you can expect to spend at least 1- day in court.  Since court proceedings take place during the day, you’ll probably have to take time off work or use one of those hard-earned vacation days so you won’t miss time without pay.

Along with a criminal conviction, you will now have a criminal record.  Try getting a job when you have to answer “Yes” to the question on the application, “Have you ever been convicted of a crime?”

And think about how you are going to get to work, drop the kids off at school and get around town to run everyday chores when your license has been suspended!  A first-time DUI conviction results in a minimum one year license suspension. If you qualify for ARD your license will still be suspended for one month to one year.

MANDATORY ALCOHOL HIGHWAY SAFETY PROGRAM (AHSP)

Every DUI offender in the State of Pennsylvania is required to go through a court ordered Alcohol Highway Safety Program at the expense of the offender. Evaluation, Education and Treatment can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars.

ADDITIONAL COSTS TO CONSIDER:

• attorney fees average several thousand dollars

• auto insurance premium triples for at least three years

• ignition interlock system – an alternative to finding a ride during additional  license suspension time

• alternative transportation – public transportation, payment for rides, etc

• lost wages by having to take time off work

• risk of losing your job, especially if driving a motor vehicle or motor-driven equipment is your job