How Much Does a DUI Cost in MD?
Being charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a serious matter. One night of drinking and a moment of misjudgment can impact your life forever.
Aside from a license suspension and possible jail time, a DUI conviction comes with costly consequences. Here’s what you should know about the cost of a DUI in Maryland from the Scrofano Law Maryland DUI criminal defense experts.
What Is the Cost of a DUI Ticket?
In Maryland, a DUI or DWI charge often begins with a “must appear” ticket. This means that you cannot simply pay the ticket and move on like with other traffic offenses — instead, you will have to appear in court for a criminal trial.
However, you may be issued other payable tickets for traffic offenses in conjunction with your DUI charges. Speeding ticket fines in Maryland range from $80 to $530 depending on how fast you were going, while a stop sign violation can cost around $110. Additional fines may apply if you receive a reckless driving conviction.
How Much Is a DUI Fine?
The exact fine you will receive for a DUI is up to the judge’s discretion as well as whether you have any prior DUI convictions. First offenders are subject to a fine of up to $1,000, while a second offense can result in fines of up to $2,000.
Other common fees include court costs, which will usually be around $100, and bail. Bail is usually refundable, but a nonrefundable fee of around 10% may apply if you use the services of a bondsman.
How Much Does Insurance Cost With a DUI?
Following a DUI conviction, the offense will appear on your driving record, which is then reported to car insurance companies. This will inevitably raise your insurance rates.
A DUI conviction in Maryland raises a person’s rates by an average of about 60 percent, adding up to an additional $70 per month. Since this additional cost adds up over time, this could easily be the most expensive impact of a DUI conviction.
DUI Lawyer Cost
Hiring a DUI lawyer is one of the best ways to protect yourself after a DUI arrest. While this can come with a cost, it’s more than worth it to lower the overall cost of your DUI.
A DUI attorney will usually cost between $1,000 and $5,000. However, the exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the amount of time it will take to prepare and argue an effective DUI defense.
Total Cost of a DUI Over Ten Years
Between the above-mentioned costs and other factors like an ignition interlock device, alcohol education courses, and lost job opportunities, the total cost of having a DUI conviction on your record is insurmountable. Over ten years, this can add up to as much as $50,000, and over a lifetime — immeasurable.
Contact Our MD Criminal Defense Lawyers
Being accused of a crime can be terrifying. An imperfect justice system has placed a target on your back, and you’re left to jump through hoops while somebody else chooses your fate.
With our Maryland team on your side, you can rest assured that your future lies in good hands. Our Maryland criminal defense lawyers understand how to even the chances when it feels like it’s you against the world. Contact us today to schedule a confidential case assessment and discover how we can make justice work for you rather than against you.