At What Cost a DUI

     At what cost are you going to drive home this week from the party or your trip to the local watering hole.    The saving of a $15 to $30 cab ride, cost you $15,000 to $24,000 to clear a DUI.    This is something you have to ask yourself as we head into the biggest party week of the year.   What is your plan to get home?   

The potential costs of a DUI are staggering. From court costs, fines and attorneys’ fees, to traffic school, probation and higher insurance premiums, you can expect to pay $10,000 or more for the experience.

About the only way to avoid any of the expenses associated with a DUI is to take one of the field or chemical tests and pass. When you sign your California driver’s license you give "implied consent" to having your breath, blood or urine tested if you are pulled over on suspicion of DUI. If you refuse the test or fail it, your driver's license will be immediately suspended and you will be taken into custody. California will impose a fine and may suspend your license for refusing the test even if it’s later determined you were not driving under the influence.

You may say, “No problem, I have a good attorney.” Not so fast – even experienced DUI attorneys may not help you avoid all the costs that come with an arrest. In 2007, the last year that statistics are available, there were 203,866 arrests for DUI in California and 75% of them resulted in a conviction. 

Read more at http://www.iinc.org/articles/325/1/The-Cost-of-a-DUI/Page1.html.

This week there will be more road side check points and more patrolling officers looking for people who have had one to many for the road.   Don't become one of the statistics, take a cab or have another plan that doesn't include driving set up before you start the party.   I want my readers back to enjoy the fun life after the New Years parties are over.   I don't know anyone that can really afford the cost of a DUI, do you.   Lets have a safe and fun week of New Years parties and not have to pay for them for the next seven or more years.   ;o)