A DUI can cost thousands of dollars in fines and legal fees in Washington. Talk with a Seattle DUI defense lawyer if you’ve been charged with driving under the influence. Your attorney can explain the financial penalties and other consequences that come with a DUI conviction in Washington State.
A First-Time DUI Conviction in Washington Can Result in a Fine of Up to $5,000
Per the most up-to-date DUI sentencing grid in Washington State, an initial driving under the influence conviction can come with a mandatory minimum fine of $990.50 and a mandatory maximum fine of $5,000. Fines can increase for each subsequent DUI conviction.
As you consider how much your DUI will cost in Washington, get legal help. Your DUI defense attorney will examine the facts of your case. They will look for ways to dispute your driving under the influence offense before it leads to a conviction.
Puget Law Group has more than 150 years of combined experience. We have helped many clients achieve outstanding DUI case results. Trust us to help you in the aftermath of your driving under the influence arrest. For more information, schedule a free case consultation with us.
For a free legal consultation , call (253) 627-4696
Your Legal Fees Can Raise the Cost of a DUI in Washington State
When it comes to how much a DUI will cost you in Washington, your legal fees will likely impact your bottom line. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could wind up paying a lot of money for court costs, toxicology lab fees, and public safety assessments. Plus, you may have to commit money to a criminal defense lawyer with relevant DUI case experience.
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth hiring a lawyer for a first DUI, think about what can happen if you don’t. Going through the legal process that follows a DUI arrest is rarely simple. Those who make mistakes during this process can be convicted. Meanwhile, your conviction can impact your ability to enjoy your life to the fullest moving forward.
Leave nothing to chance with your DUI in Washington. Have an attorney help you prepare a legal defense. Your lawyer can search for ways to dispute the prosecution’s case. On top of that, they may get your DUI charge dismissed or reduced.
Your Counseling and Treatment Costs Can Determine the Cost of a DUI in Washington
There are times when a court will order those convicted of a DUI to participate in alcohol or drug assessments and counseling. If you’re ordered to engage in counseling and treatment for your DUI, you may have to spend thousands of dollars in addition to the other costs associated with your criminal offense.
Ultimately, a DUI is a criminal offense in Washington. After a DUI arrest, it can be beneficial to enroll in counseling and treatment on your own. Many Washington State health insurance plans will cover counseling and treatment programs. Furthermore, your decision to join one of these programs can make a difference in court.
A court may view your decision to take responsibility for your DUI and sign up for a counseling and treatment program as a positive. Thus, your program enrollment could compel the court to rule favorably. Most importantly, the program may allow you to get the help you need to avoid actions that can lead to recurring alcohol or drug use and future DUI charges.
An Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Can Increase the Cost of Your Washington DUI
You could have to buy and install an ignition interlock device in your car if you’re convicted of driving under the influence in Washington. This device will monitor your blood alcohol content (BAC) level. If you breathe into the device and your BAC is above the legal limit, you won’t be able to drive your car.
A Washington court may require you to have an IID in your car for at least a year if you’ve been convicted of a DUI for the first time. If the court orders you to have an IID in your car, you will have to cover the costs of purchasing and installing the device. These costs can total thousands of dollars.
Of course, you could have your driver’s license suspended for a DUI as well. If this occurs, you may not be able to drive to work. Not having the freedom to drive when and where you want can make it tough to earn the income you need to stay afloat financially, costing you big now and in the future.
High Insurance Premiums Can Add to the Cost of Your DUI in Washington
As far as how much a DUI can cost you in the State of Washington, your auto insurance company may evaluate your criminal offense as it debates whether to offer you coverage. Your insurer may choose not to provide you with coverage because of your DUI. Or, the business may allow you to purchase coverage, albeit at a higher cost than what you paid previously.
If you live in Washington and drive a car, you’re required to have auto insurance. With a DUI on your record, you may have limited options for buying auto insurance coverage. Many insurance carriers may reject your request for insurance. Those that will allow you to purchase insurance may charge you a lot more than what you’d have to pay if you hadn’t been convicted of a DUI.
One of the best things you can do to keep your auto insurance premiums from going up after a DUI arrest is to dispute your charge. A DUI lawyer can fight back against your charge before it results in a conviction. If your attorney is successful, you won’t have to worry about the above-average auto insurance rates that can come with a DUI conviction.
Get the Legal Help You Need to Keep Your DUI Costs to a Minimum
The Puget Law Group team can teach you about how much a DUI can cost in Washington State.
If you want legal guidance after getting arrested for driving under the influence, we are here for you. Contact us today.
Click to contact our criminal defense lawyers today (253) 627-4696
