How Much Does a DUI Cost in MD?
If you’re facing a DUI in Maryland, cost is surely one of your concerns. Fines, lawyers, DUI school…it can add up! At Scrofano Law PC, we’ve put together a guide to understanding the cost of DUI so that you can make informed decisions.
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.
So, How Much Does a DUI Cost in Maryland?
Ultimately, the total cost of a DUI in Maryland depends on whether you hire an attorney to represent you. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can increase your chances of reducing, dropping, or dismissing your charges altogether, thus lowering the total cost of your DUI case.
If you or a loved one is facing Maryland DUI charges, please contact Morgan E. Leigh of Scrofano Law PC today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll fight to get your life back on track and mitigate the financial fallout of your DUI as much as possible.
