The Financial Costs of a DWI or DUI

Many people are reluctant to hire a lawyer to defend them in their DUI / DWI hearings because they are concerned that it is too expensive. But in reality, hiring legal counsel for your drunk driving charge can be a wise investment. A DUI or DWI conviction can impose many unexpected financial costs on an individual. Considering all of the expenses related to a drunk driving arrest, hiring an attorney to defend you could actually save you money in the long term.

The biggest financial burden associated with a DWI or DUI is legal fines. In Texas, the fines can be as much as $2000 for a first offense, and as much as $10,000 for multiple offenses and aggravating factors. These amounts can take months or years to pay off, but a lawyer may be able to get the fines substantially reduced.

Another hidden cost of a DWI or DUI is the fee associated with drivers’ license reinstatement or occupational license applications. The Texas DMV charges fees in conjunction with license appeals and applications, and the amounts can range in the hundreds of dollars. If you lose your license temporarily due to a drunk driving conviction, this may be a necessary expense.

In addition to these costs, there is the potential loss of income to consider. You may lose your job after a DUI or DWI conviction, and this could severely impact your income for months or years to come. With all of these costs, it is no wonder that so many people choose to hire a lawyer after they are charged with DUI or DWI.

Contact Us

At the Law Offices of Chris S. Barnett, we fight for clients who are accused of drunk driving. Often, we are able to win favorable verdicts and help clients avoid some of these extreme penalties. To find out if a San Antonio DWI defense attorney can help you, call us at 210-587-6464.