Revealed! How a DUI Can Ruin You Financially

It’s hard to understand why people still choose to drink and drive. When you get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, you’re putting your life, the lives of others and your entire future at risk. When you get caught driving whilst under the influence, your entire world is about to turn upside down.

While it’s easy to imagine the guilt and the embarrassment that comes with being caught drunk driving and getting a subsequent DUI on your record, the financial consequences can be just as devastating.

From personal injury lawsuits – click here for more information on personal injury attorneys – to even losing your job, here we’ll examine how a DUI can ruin you financially.

Fines, fines and more fines

Even if this is your first offense, the number of fines and financial implications are staggering. You’ll be facing a whole host of fines and penalty assessments which can range from $300 to a staggering $2000 (this may vary in each state). If you’re on a budget, then this huge fine could completely turn your finances upside down and potentially plunge you into debt that you may struggle to financially recover from.

Your insurance costs

Charged with a DUI? Say goodbye to those low insurance premiums you’ve been paying. When you’re charged with drink driving, you’re then classed as a “high-risk driver” which means your insurance premiums will suddenly become extortionate. Being able to afford to drive suddenly becomes very difficult for DUI offenders.

It will impact your livelihood

Do you drive for a living? Or do you need to commute to work? If you lose your license thanks to your DUI or you can no longer afford to drive due to the insurance payments, then your ability to get to work and your entire livelihood could be in jeopardy. Getting public transport can also be expensive and it may not be compatible with your working schedule. If you can’t work, then how can you support your family?

Time is money

You know the saying, ‘time is money’. Even if you get to keep your job, you’ll spend a huge amount of time trying to resolve your pending legal issue. Meetings with lawyers, days in court, paperwork, driving school, all of these hours add up. This means you could be spending more time away from work and with a considerably thinner pay packet.

And finally, you could lose your job

When you get a DUI you lose your credibility. You may no longer be able to do your job with a DUI on your record. Many employees have conviction policies that mean they no longer have to employ you if you are convicted of a crime. Ask yourself, can you really afford to lose your job?