We are preparing for the possible costs that my son has to pay if he gets convicted for his DUI charge here in Washington. What are the things that we can expect to pay for and do you know how much total cost would it be?

Bunny

Lakewood, WA

The national average for costs in relation to a first offense DUI conviction could exceed $20,000. Like some things, that cost could be much higher in the state of Washington. The absolute cost could include posting bail, vehicle towing, car damage (your car and anyone else involved), property damage, DUI fines, lost wages due to jail or prison, attorney fees, hiring expert witnesses to testify at trial, appealing the case if your son receives an unfavorable verdict and higher insurance rates. If your son gets convicted for DUI in Lakewood, Washington, the costs would be any of the aforementioned or it could also be all of them.

The most important thing on that list would be the higher insurance rates because this is a long-term cost. Motorists generally pay high insurance rates after a DUI for at least three years. Let me remind you that your son’s best weapon would be a competent DUI attorney. He needs a DUI attorney who not only knows the game, but also has already perfected his strategy at winning it.

I’m concerned that my sister would be greatly affected after her DUI arrest in Washington. What would be the emotional and financial costs of DUI on her?

Vern

Kennewick, WA

After being arrested for DUI in Kennewick, Washington, your sister might be ashamed of telling everyone about the DUI arrest. It would also be shameful for her on having to go to court and dealing with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). She also might feel shame of having to tell her boss about the DUI arrest. The psychological and emotional costs of DUI are actually different for everyone but it would be the same when it comes to financial cost.

Even if your sister decides not to fight the DUI charges against her, her finances would still take a big hit. The initial costs would be the fines, penalties and surcharges. If it would be required for her, it would also cost money to do the sheriff’s work program. She would also have to pay a fee to choose, within certain limits, when she serves her jail time so that it is the least disruptive to her life. There would also be a program fee for enrolment in the alcohol classes and she would have to pay the DMV for reinstating her driver’s license.