Hidden Fees and Costs After a DUI Arrest in Florida

What will it cost me if I am arrested for DUI in Florida?

It is not against the law to drive after drinking an alcoholic beverage. We all know that every bar in town has a parking lot filled with vehicles. The days of prohibition are over. It is legal to consume an alcoholic beverage. Despite this fact we also know that the law is very harsh when it comes to an accusation of drunk driving. Under Florida law the issue is whether you are "under the influence of alcohol to the extent that your normal faculties are impaired." Drawing that line is often very difficult.

Although it is legal to drive after drinking an alcoholic beverage, it is certainly not a good idea. Many DUI enforcement officers that work for the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and the Tampa Police Department will tell me off the record that the distinction between "impaired / not impaired" is not particularly important. The arresting officer must only decide if there is probable cause to make the arrest, not whether someone is guilty of DUI or not. If you are drinking and you have a smell of alcohol on your breath there is a very good chance that you are going to jail no matter what the circumstances.

In deciding whether to drive after consuming an alcoholic beverage it is important to look at how much it will cost you to defend yourself against the accusation. In determining the costs it often does not matter whether you are guilty or innocent. Regardless of whether you are guilty or innocent of DUI you will face many of the same costs, fees and expenses.

DUI Fees and Costs after the Arrest in Florida(Even if You Avoid a DUI Conviction)

• Bond
• Car Towing / Storage
• DUI Attorney Fees
• Lost Wages
• Buses / Taxicabs
• Fees for Driver's License Administrative Reinstatement / Hardship License
• DUI School (as a practical matter it is required even if you avoid an administrative suspension or DUI conviction)
• Evaulation and Follow Up Counseling to Complete Requirements for DUI school

After a Plea to a Lesser Charge under Florida Law

• Probation / Cost of Supervision
• Cost Costs / Fines
• Time of Complete Community Service or Buy Out Community Service Hours

After a Plea to DUI in Florida

• Costs to Impound the Vehicle or make it immobile for 10 days
• Costs for additional Driver License Reinstatement / Hardship License Fees (if any)
• Ignition Interlock Device (if required)

Additional Costs if an Accident Occurred

• Damage to Your Vehicle
• Restitution to the Owner of any other Damaged Vehicle
• Increased Insurance Premiums because of the Accident

Hidden Costs after a DUI Arrest in Florida

• Increased Insurance Premiums - FR44 (often apply for 3-5 years)
• Increased Health / Life Insurance Premiums (often apply for 5 years)
• Lost Opportunities for a better job or promotion
• Diminished Status in Community
• Costs to Seal or Expunge DUI Arrest and Criminal Record (if eligible)

Other Costs
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Total Costs / Fees after a DUI Arrest and/or Conviction in Florida =

Avoiding the Hidden Costs and Fees after a DUI

The best way to minimize the costs and fees associated with a DUI conviction is to hire the most experienced attorney for your case so that your attorney can assist you with fighting the charges aggressively. You will save the most money if your charges are dropped by the prosecutor or dismissed by the judge.

Alternatively, you will save a considerable amount of money from the direct and hidden costs if you avoid a DUI conviction, particularly if you receive a "withhold of adjucication" on a reckless driving charge which may allow you to seal your arrest record and legal deny that an arrest ever occurred for most purposes.

Even if there is overwhelming evidence of guilt and you are unable to avoid a DUI conviction, in many cases the prosecutor may still reduce the charges if you are charged with a more serious type of DUI such as:

• DUI with Property Damage or Non-serious Bodily Personal Injury;
• DUI with a Passenger under the age of 21;
• DUI with a blood or breath alcohol concentration over .15 (requires higher fine and ignition interlock installation);
• Second or Subsequent DUI (carries longer periods of mandatory incarceration, higher fines and other requirements).

Finding an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Tampa Florida

The attorneys at the Sammis Law Firm focus on defending individuals charged with DUI and drunk driving. That focus allows us to know more about each of the eight breathalyzer machines maintained by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at the Orient Road Jail. That focus on DUI cases in Hillsborough County also allows us to know more about their standard operating procedures and each individual officer's track record.

Call a DUI Attorney in Tampa, FL, to discuss the facts and circumstances of your case. We provide free phone and office consultations. Find how what you need to do immediately to protect yourself and your Florida driver's license after a DUI arrest. We focus on cases in Tampa and Plant City in Hillsborough County, Florida. Call 813-250-0500 to speak to us about DUI Attorney Fees in Tampa, FL, and the hidden costs of not hiring the right attorney.