If you’re caught driving while under the influence of alcohol, then you probably have a bit of a battle ahead of you if you’ve looking to avoid a conviction. The presence of a DUI on your record has the ability to alter your life, and not for the better. Not only can a DUI conviction serve as a source of embarrassment, it can also end up hurting you on a job-related level.
When most people think about the consequences of a DUI, they tend to worry about aspects such as license suspensions and possible jail time. Little do some people realize that a DUI can actually end up constituting quite the significant financial burden as well. Charles Nistico of the firm Nistico Roberts, P.C is an experienced DUI attorney who has been serving Pennsylvania’s Philadelphia, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Bucks counties for more than 30 years, and according to him, a first-time DUI offense can easily end up costing $3,000 to $5,000, regardless of the outcome of the case.
If this sounds shocking to you, then you’re not alone. Most people who are charged with DUI end up being unpleasantly surprised to learn about the costs involved. When it comes to calculating the total amount of financial damage associated with a DUI, it’s important to understand all the factors that can contribute to such high figures. First, there are the attorney fees, which tend to constitute a decent percentage of the overall equation. Although a good DUI lawyer will do his best to keep his pricing as reasonable as possible, it’s important to recognize the fact that most DUI cases aren’t simple or clear-cut. The laws in Pennsylvania are complex when it comes to matters of DUI, and a fair amount of examination and interpretation is often necessary when evaluating individual cases. Since attorneys have to pay their employees and make a living as well, a DUI case that involves numerous hours of poking and prodding on the part of a lawyer will result in a fairly significant bill.
Another thing to keep in mind with respect to DUI costs is that if convicted, you will be forced to pay a fine and all the associated court-related expenses. For a first offense, the fine might actually end up being rather minor, but you’d be amazed at how those court fees can quickly add up. Therefore, while you might be tempted to try to hire a low-cost lawyer in an attempt to save some money, you’ll probably be better off financially by enlisting the help of a seasoned expert and having him get you off the hook.
Remember, a DUI can end up being quite costly financially, logistically, and emotionally. So the next time you decide to go out drinking, you might want to think twice before getting behind the wheel. After all, the money that you’ll spend on a taxi will pale in comparison to the overall cost of dealing with a DUI.
This article is for informational purposes only. You should not rely on this article as a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances, and you should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel. Publication of this article and your receipt of this article does not create an attorney-client relationship.
