DWI Fines

If you are like most people who are arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI), you may be the most concerned about spending time in jail. While this is certainly a possibility if you are found guilty, there are numerous other penalties you may face if you are found guilty of the offense—and for many drivers, DWI fines are one of the most devastating consequences.

The exact penalties for driving while intoxicated vary based on your state’s laws. However, in most areas, you can expect to receive a hefty fine if you are convicted of DWI. In fact, depending on the nature of your crime and your prior criminal history, a conviction could cost you several hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Along with a fine, you will almost certainly lose your driver’s license as a result of your conviction. In addition, the judge may order you to complete alcohol counseling or enroll in a DUI education program. Repeat offenders may also be required to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle—a punishment that forces you to take a breathalyzer anytime you get behind the wheel.

It is important to remember that you are responsible for any expenses associated with these types of penalties, such as the cost of enrolling in DUI school or receiving counseling, as well as any installation, maintenance, and rental fees for an ignition interlock device. 

Although most DWI offenses are classified as a misdemeanor crime, in some cases it can be considered a felony. For example, if you were involved in a serious auto accident or transporting a child at the time of your arrest, you can expect the court to treat your case more seriously than a standard DWI offense.

A DWI conviction can also impact your financial future long after you have paid your legal fees. First and foremost, your auto insurance rates are sure to increase—often costing two to three times more than your current payment. In addition, because your conviction will remain on your criminal record indefinitely, it can also jeopardize your eligibility for many employment, housing, and educational prospects, leading to countless dollars being lost as a result of missed opportunities.

The good news is that, despite all these penalties, a skilled DWI defense attorney can often increase your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in court. In many cases, an experienced legal representative can develop a strong argument for your defense and help you avoid many—if not all—of the life-altering consequences of a driving while intoxicated conviction.

To determine the best tactics for your case, submit a free online case form today to locate an experienced DWI defense attorney in your area.

States and Cities:
AK	Alaska, Anchorage	LA	Louisiana, New Orleans	OH	Ohio, Cincinnati
AL	Alabama, Montgomery	MA	Massachusetts, Boston	OK	Oklahoma, Tulsa
AR	Arkansas, Little Rock	MD	Maryland, Baltimore	OR	Oregon, Portland
AZ	Arizona, Phoenix	ME	Maine, Portland	PA	Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
CA	California, Los Angeles	MI	Michigan, Detroit	RI	Rhode Island, Providence
CO	Colorado, Denver	MN	Minnesota, Duluth	SC	South Carolina, Charleston
CT	Connecticut, Hartford	MO	Missouri, Branson	SD	South Dakota, Sioux Falls
DE	Delaware, Wilmington	MS	Mississippi, Jackson	TN	Tennessee, Nashville
FL	Florida, Orlando	MT	Montana, Bozeman	TX	Texas, Houston
GA	Georgia, Atlanta	NC	North Carolina, Charoltte	UT	Utah, Salt Lake City
HI	Hawaii, Honolulu	ND	North Dakota, Fargo	VT	Vermont, Burlington
IA	Iowa, Des Moines	NE	Nebraska, Omaha	VA	Virginia, Richmond
ID	Idaho, Boise	NH	New Hampshire, Portsmouth	WA	Washington, Seattle
IL	Illinois, Chicago	NJ	New Jersey, Newark	WI	Wisconsin, Milwaukee
IN	Indiana, Indianapolis	NM	New Mexico, Albuquerque	WV	West Virginia, Charleston
KS	Kansas, Kansas City	NV	Nevada, Las Vegas	WY	Wyoming, Cheyenne
KY	Kentucky, Lexington	NY	New York, New York	DC	Washington DC