According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, “each year in Colorado, more than 26,000 people are arrested for DUI” offenses. One of the strategies the State uses to try to decrease the instances of DUI offenses is to attach large fines to the charges. It’s not just the court fines that will drain your bank account when it comes to DUI offenses, though.
HOW DUI COSTS ADD UP
COURT FEES
The fines you get in court are usually less than $1,000, but there are plenty of other costs that can add up. You may have to pay for classes, blood tests, court restitution fees, and more. In all, your court-related fines will average between $3,000 and $4,000.
CAR-RELATED EXPENSES
One thing that many people don’t consider when trying to determine the cost of their DUI is their car-related expenses. You’ll be hit with a towing fee as well as car storage fee, which will vary depending on how long it takes you to get out of jail and go get your vehicle. You may also have to pay to get your driver’s license reinstated (if it’s been suspended). Count on around $500 to $1,000 for these costs, but we’re just getting started. Your insurance premiums are about to skyrocket, and if your vehicle is damaged you’ll be looking at hefty repair bills as well as rental costs for a replacement vehicle.
LEGAL FEES
You’ll want to hire a DUI attorney to help defend you against your charges. Legal fees vary for DUI attorneys in Fort Collins, but the state-wide average (according to CDOT) is around $2,500. That means in total, you could be facing a bill of up to $10,000 thanks to your DUI charge.
IS HIRING A DUI ATTORNEY WORTH IT?
You might think that with the hefty fines and fees associated with a DUI charge, not hiring a DUI attorney is a good place to start saving. It’s not. A good DUI attorney could help you save much more than you spend. That’s because they may be able to get you reduced charges or even get your charged dismissed entirely. That means you won’t have to face the cost of classes, see your insurance rates increase, or have a DUI on your record which could preclude you from certain jobs and career paths. It’s well worth your time and money to hire a competent attorney to help defend you against your charges. With an attorney’s help, you could see a much better outcome to your case and less impact on your wallet.
CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION ON YOUR DUI CASE
If you have been charged with a DUI in the Fort Collins area, call the offices of Roselle & Breitigam, P.C. We offer a judgement-free defense of DUI charges and have experience with cases like yours, so we know that when it comes to your charges, every part of the prosecutor’s case can be challenged. You can get in touch with our office for your free consultation by giving us a call or contacting us through our website. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can get to work on your case.
