For most individuals, a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) misdemeanor arrest and/or conviction is a devastating event. The whole process of being arrested, much less convicted, of a DWI misdemeanor is typically enough of a warning to prevent a person from getting behind the wheel of a car after drinking alcohol ever again.
We can all agree that driving while intoxicated is a terrible decision, but the usual arrest does not involve accidents or, worst yet, someone getting hurt or dying. The real impact of a DWI arrest is far more often felt by individuals in their wallet. When you consider the consequences of one DWI conviction in terms of money only, the costs can be staggering.
Let’s take a look at the potential cost impact of a first-time DWI conviction on a 30 year-old commercial truck driver who makes $29 an hour, or about $60,000 a year (without overtime):
Up to 1 year in Jail or 3 years probation: $60k+ in lost wages
Up to a $1,000 court fine: $1,000
Mandatory court surcharges of $400: $400
DMV penalties totaling $750: $750
Mandatory ignition interlock device on 2 vehicles for 1 year: $2,600
Increased insurance premiums: $2,000 annually
Costs to take drinking driver program (if eligible): $350
Cost to obtain an alcohol assessment: $300
Costs to get your vehicle out of tow: $150
Costs for a Victim Impact or Related Class: $50
Legal costs: $2,500 – $10,000
Total cost: $197,600.
One DWI misdemeanor conviction could potentially cost $200,000 in out-of-pocket costs and lost wages. And, of course, this assumes that no one was killed or injured, which would drastically increase this potential loss.
The bottom line: Don’t Drink and Drive.
Call A Cab, Spend $50 and Save $200,000.
