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.

My brother has a possible DUI conviction here in Washington. I just want to make it clear to him and make him understand better the possible consequences of his action. How does a DUI conviction really affect a person?

Lynn

Tacoma, WA

Driving under the influence is not worth it because not only you are incapable of driving safely, but you are also very likely to receive a ticket. You might think that receiving a DUI simply requires you to pay a fee and try to get out of the ticket, but a DUI is really more expensive than you might have ever imagined.

A DUI conviction might cost your brother thousands of dollars, but it may also cost him emotionally, physically, and others would pay as well.

First of all, a DUI costs a lot of money. The car may be impounded, and then the driver would be taken to jail, and would receive a ticket, as well as other fees and fines that might apply to the specific situation. This would, of course, cost a pretty penny.

Then, there are the emotional costs of a DUI conviction. You would likely feel ashamed and embarrassed, and that is if you just got a ticket. In addition, you might wreck your vehicle or the vehicle of another individual, causing more emotional suffering and pain. Then, if you or others were injured you can count on significant emotional suffering.

Physical costs are likely with driving under the influence because accidents could happen. You may injure or even kill yourself, not to mention others. Imagine how you would feel if you cause yourself to be paralyzed or kill another individual. These are some huge costs of drinking and driving.

Then, there are the costs to other people as well. Your family would feel embarrassed and ashamed if you receive a DUI citation, not to mention if you are killed or kill someone else because you chose to drink and drive. Then there is the family and friends of other individuals that you might have injured while drinking and driving. They would feel angry and hurt as well.

Obviously, there are a lot of costs associated with DUI; most of them would change your life and the lives of others forever. So, if you want to drink, you have to make sure you call a cab or at least have a designated driver to ensure you get home safe and sound. We can all avoid all of the costs of a DUI and don’t drink and drive.