There’s more to a drunk driving case than one would think. It’s not as simple as a speeding ticket; there is a hefty fine upfront, as well as a myriad of other charges and penalties. If you were to get into an accident, the costs might be even steeper in the form of property damage, medical bills, and possibly lives. 

This is a high price to pay for any person, but the costs continue to add up over time. Being convicted of a DUI can affect your life both short and long term; it can significantly impact relationships and hinder your ability to get and hold a job. 

It’s essential to know the risks of drunk driving and reconsider getting behind the wheel after drinking. Here, Rahul Balaram, of Balaram Law,  shares three reasons why. 

It Impacts Your Freedom

Being able to drive means being free to do as you please. Being convicted of a DUI can take away that freedom.

After being arrested, your car will be impounded. If you can’t afford the steep impound fee, you won’t have the independence of driving around. That means you’d have to get a ride from someone else, take public transportation, or walk or bike to your destination. 

Your financial freedom will also be affected. Getting a DUI can be incredibly expensive and can cause long-term financial strain. 

Additionally, you can face difficulties getting to and from work, as well as the ability to obtain and hold a job; for example, some employers will not hire someone who cannot drive. This can significantly limit a person’s options in the workplace. 

Court and Attorney Fees

Upon being arrested for a DUI, you will be summoned to appear in court. Court appearances are required, and you will be responsible for all court costs, such as filing paperwork. The cost of your court case largely depends on how complicated it is, but fees can add up quickly. 

You do not have to hire an attorney; however, having one can improve your chances significantly of a lessened charge. If you choose to hire one, you might face thousands of dollars in attorney fees. 

Insurance Price Hike

While you may already be aware of the other fees associated with a DUI, you may not know that it also raises your insurance premiums substantially. 

Insurance companies base how much you pay each month by how risky your case is, and if you’ve had one or more DUIs, they would consider you to be a higher risk client.

With a DUI on your record, you can expect to pay upwards of an additional $2000-3000 each year in insurance costs.

About Rahul Balaram:

Rahul Balaram is an experienced and dedicated attorney that has represented hundreds of clients. Mr. Balaram takes pride in ensuring his clients are aware of every aspect of their case and that their interests are presented with dignity, compassion, and competence.

Rahul opened the Balaram Law Office in Santa Rosa and is widely known for his excellent trial skills, his unrelenting work on behalf of his clients, and the outstanding results that his clients receive.