What Does an Illinois DUI Really Cost?

Everyone knows that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is unacceptable; under Illinois law it is a criminal offense which can disrupt your life in many ways. What everyone doesn't know is how expensive an Illinois DUI can ultimately be for those who are convicted. In the publication "Illinois DUI Fact Book 2012," issued by the Secretary of State's office, the average cost of a DUI is presented as totaling $16,580. How does the state come up with this stunning figure?

The state breaks down the DUI costs into several categories. Legal fees will average $2,000. High-risk insurance, which includes an additional $1,500 annually required for three years after a conviction, will average $4,500. Court costs, which include fines, towing and storage fees, and other expenses will average $3,600. Rehabilitation, which includes counseling and substance abuse education, will cost approximately $250. Reinstating one's suspended driver's license will be another $580 expense. Illinois also requires that anyone convicted of a DUI must have a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device installed in their vehicle at their own expense, which accounts for an additional expense of $1,420. Finally, loss of wages due to jail time, community service, DUI school, evaluations, and counseling can add another $4,230 to the total.

Why You Need a Chicago DUI Attorney

As you can see, a DUI conviction can inflict huge financial loss. Couple this with all of the other penalties, such as potential incarceration, community service, driver's license suspension, probation, and a permanent criminal record and the reality is a grim one. To avoid these consequences, you need to mount a convincing defense, which is possible with the help of an attorney who concentrates on DUI cases.

At the Law Offices of Mitch Furman, your DUI case will be handled by a skilled trial lawyer with more than a decade of legal experience. Many possible defense strategies exist for dealing with a DUI; get the help you need by contacting one of the legal staff at the firm to arrange for a free consultation about the specifics of your DUI case today.