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Health & Fitness

THE FINANCIAL COST OF A DUI IN COOK COUNTY

     In over 30 years of practicing law, I have represented clients who have been severely injured or even killed because they were hit by a vehicle driven by someone who was DUI.  Some I have represented were also fortunate enough not to have suffered serious injuries. Additionally, I have also represented people who have been charged with DUI.

     Obviously, driving while under the influence of alcohol can cause serious injury or even death to persons on the roadway; and this reality, in and of itself, should deter anyone from driving while under the influence.  Unfortunately, it does not deter everyone.

     While the consequences to lives because of driving under the influence of alcohol can be serious, I was also recently thinking about the cost, in dollars, of a DUI, versus the cost to avoid a DUI – taking a taxi cab.  In a case where a person either pleads guilty to DUI or, after a trial, is found guilty of DUI, here are some of the likely costs of being found guilty of DUI:

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Vehicle Tow Charge                                       $    150.00

Vehicle Impound Charge[1]                            $    500.00

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DUI Evaluation, required                                $    210.00

Mandatory Court Costs[2]                               $ 1,404.00

Fine imposed by Court[3]                               $    750.00

Alcohol treatment classes[4]                           $    600.00

BAAID device on your car[5]                           $    805.00

Attorney’s Fees[6]                                          $ 1,500.00

TOTAL COST OF DUI                                     $ 5,910.00

  

TOTAL COST OF TAXI HOME               $     10.00?

                                                             $     20.00?

                                                            $     50.00?

                                                             $   100.00?

 

      The possibility of causing serious injury or death to another person should be enough of a deterrent to driving while under the influence; along with how such injury or death will affect the family of the victim, as well as the family of the person who is DUI.  But if that is not enough, maybe people will consider the expense of a DUI, in dollars, because, in the end, an expensive taxi ride of $100 is far less than what it will cost you if you are stopped and arrested for DUI. 

      For more information and resources, visit our website at payonklaw.com, or call us for a free consultation at 708-633-6005.

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[1] As an example, Orland Park charges a $500 administrative fee to recover your towed vehicle.

[2] This is NOT a fine, just the required court costs

[3] You can be fined from 0 to $2500

[4] Depending on type of treatment ordered (Average)

[5] Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device for 6 months during a license suspension for either refusing to take the alcohol breath test or taking the breath test with the result showing a level of .08 or greater

[6] Depending on numerous factors, fees can be over $5000

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