Questions About CA DUI Costs

What are the top 7 questions about CA DUI costs that we get from our clients? Below we answer some commonly asked questions and we look at the numbers associated with the costs of a California DUI.

1. How much will it cost when everything is said and done?

Let’s run the numbers: For a typical FIRST TIME offender, the average cost of court fees and fines runs around $2,400. Cost for interlock averages $300. DUI classes will set you back $800. And the increased insurance premiums your DUI will create, can average a total of $9,000 over a 7 year period. That means you’re potentially looking at a whopping $12,500. Let’s take a closer look at how we came up with these numbers and then we’ll see if it’s worth hiring a lawyer…

2. How much will I be fined by the court?

The minimum base fine for a DUI charge in California is $390 plus penalty assessment.  Penalty assessment is like a tax that multiplies the fine.  In addition to the fine plus penalty assessments, the court will also add various fees.   These fees can vary from court to court but the average DUI fine in California is a little over $2000.

3. How much are DUI classes?

The cost of your DUI class will depend primarily on which DUI class you are required to complete.  For example, drivers who are able to have their DUI charge dismissed as part of a plea agreement to a reduced charge or wet reckless can complete a 12 hour course also known as SB1176.   This course will cost approximately $300.

California DUI classes for a first offender include a 3 month program known as AB541 which runs about $800, a 6 month program known as AB762 which runs about $1200, and a 9 month program known as AB1353 which runs about $1700.   Those with multiple convictions will generally have to complete the 18 month program known as SB38 with an average fee of $2300.  A 30 month program, SB1365 is also used in some scenarios at a cost of nearly $3000.

4. How much will ignition interlock cost?

The cost of ignition interlock in your California DUI case will be determined primarily by the length of time that you are required to have the device installed.   Most California IID companies will charge between $75-$125 per month for the device.

Ignition Interlock Devices or IIDs can be obtained from any licensed vendors in California, but the devices themselves must be manufactured by one of companies on this list approved by the State of California.  https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-industry-services/occupational-licensing/occupational-licenses/breath-alcohol-ignition-interlock-device-baiid-manufacturer/ignition-interlock-device-iid-list/

5. What impact will a DUI have on my insurance?

This will depend on two main factors.  One is the result of your DMV or Admin per Se Hearing and the second is the result of your case in court.   If the DMV rules against you, or you are convicted in court, or both, your insurance rates will increase substantially.  In fact, increased insurance premiums subsequent to a DUI are often the single highest financial burden associated with a DUI case.

For example, let’s assume our hypothetical friend Jane Driver gets a notice from her insurance company that her rates are going up $107 a month after her DUI case.  At first glance, that doesn’t sound so bad.   The problem here is the length of time that she will face the increased premium.  In California, most insurers will charge increased premiums for 7 years!  If we do the math, that’s $1284 a year, or a staggering $8988 over the course of 7 years. 

It’s important to note that the average cost we calculated is based on typical first time offender costs. The costs increase significantly for those who are facing a second or third DUI charge, those who were involved in an accident, or those who are facing a felony DUI charge.

Now that we know how much a typical DUI costs, what’s the cost of an attorney? Is it even worth hiring an attorney?

6. How much will it cost to hire a lawyer?

The average fee for an experienced California DUI lawyer on a first time misdemeanor DUI case with no aggravating factors would range from $3000-$5000.   Fees vary based on the amount of experience and success that each lawyer has achieved as well as how the fee agreement is structured.  Important issues to consider are whether the agreement is hourly or a flat fee retainer, and what costs or services are included with that fee and what costs and services will require further payments.

Misdemeanor DUI cases with prior convictions, accidents or other aggravating factors will generally require a retainer of $5000 or more.  Felony DUI cases generally require a retainer fee of $10,000 or more due to the complexity of felony criminal procedure and the potential for significantly higher sentencing in felony cases.

7. Is it worth hiring an attorney?

Depending on your particular circumstances, it may be financially smarter to hire an experienced California DUI lawyer for $3,500 who can reduce your sentence or get your case dismissed, rather than pleading guilty and paying nearly $12,500 when everything is said and done. With the help of a lawyer, you can get your DUI charge reduced or dismissed and ultimately save a ton of money. Regardless of whether you end up hiring an attorney or not, it doesn’t hurt to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney to see how he can help your case.

–Conclusion–

If you still have questions or want someone to go over your case to see what the best options are, contact the Law Offices of Mark A. Gallagher for a free consultation. Call us at 800-797-8406, send us a message below, or CLICK HERE for additional contact information.