Driver under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that carries significant legal and financial consequences. Beyond the immediate legal ramifications, it’s important to grasp the financial consequences associated with a DUI conviction in Michigan. Due to the serious nature of these consequences, individuals charged with DUI in Michigan should strongly consider seeking legal guidance from an experienced Michigan DUI lawyer.
Flint DUI lawyer Shaun R. Marks works tirelessly to help his clients minimize consequences and move on with their lives after a DUI charge. You can learn more about your legal options after a Michigan DUI in a free consultation by contacting Attorney Shaun R. Marks, P.C. at (866) 625-6224.
The Immediate Costs of a Michigan DUI
A DUI charge in Michigan results in a variety of immediate financial burdens, which can increase if you are convicted. These penalties also vary depending on which specific drunk driving offense you are charged with and whether you have prior drunk driving convictions. In Michigan, drunk driving offenses are known as operating while intoxicated (OWI) or operating while visibly impaired (OWVI).
Fines and Penalties
Both OWI and OWVI offenses carry specific fines and penalties, which increase based on how many prior OWI or OWVI convictions you have:
- First offense OWI – $100-$500 in fines
- Second offense OWI – $200-$1,000 in fines
- Third offense OWI – $500-$5,000 in fines
- First offense OWVI – Up to $300 in fines
- Second offense OWVI – $200-$1,000 in fines
- Third offense OWVI – $500-$5,000 in fines
- OWI causing death – $2,500-$10,000 in fines
- OWI causing serious injury – $1,000-$5,000 in fines
Court Costs
In addition to court-imposed fines and penalties, a DUI involves a range of court costs. These costs typically include administrative fees, legal processing fees, and other expenses related to the case. These costs can vary depending on the court and jurisdiction but can be as much as $1,500. This can represent a significant financial setback for many people facing a DUI charge, especially when added to fines, penalties, lawyer’s fees, and other costs.
Bail and Towing Fees
If you are arrested and booked into jail following a DUI, you might need to pay bail to be released from custody. Bail amounts can vary depending on factors like the severity of the charge and your prior criminal history, with a range of anywhere from $250 to $5,000. Additionally, if law enforcement impounds your vehicle, you will incur towing and impound fees, which can be several hundred dollars.
Ignition Interlock Device Installation
Under Michigan state law, even a first-time drunk driving conviction carries a mandatory license suspension of six months. You may apply for a reinstatement after serving 30 days of the suspension. However, the state may require you to install a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) on any vehicles you own or plan to drive.
Ignition interlock devices must be installed for at least one year. They typically carry an installation cost of $100-$200, plus a monthly rental fee of between $70 and $100. However, the Michigan Legislature has limited the monthly fee to a maximum of $2 per day for low-income defendants.
Legal Fees
To protect your legal rights and increase your chances of a favorable outcome, it is advisable to hire an experienced Michigan DUI lawyer. Attorney fees can vary depending on the complexity of the case and other factors, but you can expect to pay several thousand dollars for legal representation from an experienced lawyer. Although these fees are often worth it, they represent a significant expense for those facing DUI charges.
The Long-Term Financial Impact of a DUI in Michigan
In addition to the immediate costs of a DUI, those who are convicted are often subjected to long-term financial repercussions. These may include increased insurance premiums, license reinstatement fees, and potential difficulty finding employment.
Higher Insurance Premiums
Insurance companies typically classify people with DUI convictions as high-risk drivers and raise their insurance premiums. According to an analysis from Forbes Advisor, the national average rate increase for drivers with a DUI is around 70%. These increased premiums can last for several years and may result in thousands of dollars in additional charges over time.
License Reinstatement Fees
If you want to restore your driver’s license after a DUI suspension, you must pay a $125 reinstatement fee to the Michigan Department of State. Additional fees may also be collected for the reinstatement, such as a duplicate license fee or an application fee to reapply for a new driver’s license if your license was revoked. Courts also charge a separate $45 reinstatement fee for failure to appear in court, and a $25 fee for no proof of insurance, when applicable.
Potential Job Loss or Career Implications
Beyond the immediate financial consequences, a DUI conviction in Michigan can have long-lasting career implications. Many employers conduct background checks and view DUI convictions negatively, which can lead to difficulty finding future employment opportunities. Additionally, those convicted of DUI may be barred from jobs that require driving or professional licenses.
Strategies for Minimizing DUI Costs
The financial and legal aspects of a DUI charge can be daunting, but there are steps you can take to mitigate the costs and consequences associated with a conviction.
Hiring an Experienced DUI Attorney
Hiring an experienced Michigan DUI lawyer is one of the best ways to minimize the cost of a DUI. A skilled attorney can provide valuable legal guidance throughout the process and work to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. While hiring a lawyer may be expensive, it may ultimately save you money by potentially reducing fines, penalties, and other costs associated with a DUI conviction.
Seeking Reduced Charges or Alternative Sentencing
In some cases, individuals charged with DWI offenses may be eligible for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options that can lessen the impact of a DUI conviction. This may include plea bargaining for a lesser offense, participating in diversion programs, or seeking probation instead of incarceration. Exploring these options with guidance from legal counsel may help you avoid some of the most severe consequences of a DUI conviction and reduce the overall financial burden.
Discuss Your DUI Case With Our Michigan DUI Lawyers
If you have recently been arrested for OWI, OWVI, or another drunk driving offense in Michigan, you may be worried about the financial implications of a potential conviction. Experienced Flint DUI lawyer Shaun R. Marks helps his clients build a legal strategy designed to minimize both financial and criminal penalties. You can learn more about your legal options by discussing your case with Shaun in a free consultation: call our firm today at (866) 625-6224.
Criminal defense attorney Shaun Marks had received his Juris Doctor degree with Cum Laude honors from the Detroit College of Law in 1994. He received his undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Michigan-Flint. He has served in the U.S. Air force Security Police and as an Assistant city Attorney for the City of Flint. He has also worked in the office of former U.S. Senator Donald Riegle. Attorney Marks has successfully represented thousands of clients in criminal matters in state and federal courts across Michigan.
