When you’re charged with DUI, you’re going to have a lot of questions. Many of them involve the fines and costs associated with addressing the charge. How much does a DUI attorney cost in Connecticut? What fees and fines will you be expected to pay? On this page, The Sills Law Firm provides some general answers to these questions. For more precise information, schedule a consultation by contacting our office today.
How Much Can You Expect to Pay?
There are court fines, fees, and costs associated with criminal DUI convictions under Connecticut General Statutes § 14-227a. Even if you avoid a drunk driving conviction, there may be a fee for a diversionary program. There are also special permit fees, restoration fees, and Ignition Interlock Device (IID) fees through the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles.
While the short-term costs for Connecticut DUI are considerable, the long-term costs and consequences definitely exceed those you will encounter in the short term. These include increased insurance premiums, loss of livelihood, loss of future employability, and a serious hit to your reputation. To avoid and limit the short and long-term costs of DUI, you will want to retain the best Connecticut DUI defense attorney you can find.
Court Costs Associated with DUI in Connecticut
A DUI conviction can result in more than potential jail time, community service, and court-mandated alcohol counseling. There are additional costs (many of them financial) that can be considerable, depending on your case.
Impaired Driving Intervention Program
The Impaired Driving Intervention Program (IDIP) in Connecticut is a court-mandated program designed for individuals who have been convicted of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs (OUI). It aims to address and prevent further instances of impaired driving by providing education, assessment, and treatment services.
Direct costs include:
- An application and evaluation fee of $250
- Program fee of $100- $400 (Fees vary if ordered to undergo substance abuse treatment as opposed to alcohol education)
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Victim Impact Panel fee of $75
First Offense DUI
- Fines between $500 – $1,000
- Probation fee of $200
- Other miscellaneous court fees of approximately $105
- MADD Victim Impact Panel fee of $75
- Variable fees for substance abuse counseling and/or treatment if required by probation
Second Offense DUI
- Fines between $1,000 – $4,000
- Probation fee of $200
- Other miscellaneous court fees of approximately $165
- MADD Victim Impact Panel fee of $75
- Variable fees for substance abuse counseling and/or treatment if required by probation
Third Offense DUI
- Fines between $2,000 – $8,000
- Probation fee of $200
- Other miscellaneous court fees of approximately $500
- MADD Victim Impact Panel fee of $75
- Variable fees for substance abuse counseling and/or treatment if required by probation
DMV Fees Associated with DUI
DMV administrative costs contribute to the overall financial burden experienced by offenders. They are imposed as a result of your license suspension, pursuant to the Connecticut Implied Consent Law.
Financial costs include:
- Application fee for a Special Operator’s Permit (Work Permit) of $100
- Restoration fee of $175
- IID application fee of $100
- Variable IID installation fees (typically between $50 – $150)
- Variable monthly maintenance IID fees (typically between $50 – $100)
Insurance Rate Costs Associated with DUI
A DUI conviction can have a detrimental impact on your car insurance premiums, especially if you were in an accident. In Connecticut, the average premium increase for a drunk driving conviction is 81%!
However, the good news is that these increases are not automatic, as Connecticut no longer requires SR-22 Insurance after a DUI incident. The DUI defense lawyers at The Sills Law Firm regularly advise their clients on how they can keep their car insurance premiums from skyrocketing after an incident.
You may also face increased premiums for your health insurance or life insurance. Applications for both types of policies will inquire as to whether you’ve ever been convicted of DUI or participated in substance abuse treatment. Your insurance company will also likely review both your criminal and driving record for DUI before issuing you a policy.
Indirect and Social Costs of Drinking and Driving
After a DUI arrest, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by all of the short-term costs and obligations. However, the indirect and long-term costs of DUI often greatly exceed what you will pay in the short term. This is where retaining a top-notch Connecticut DUI defense attorney can really be viewed as an investment in your future.
Some often-overlooked indirect costs associated with drunk driving include:
- A criminal record, even for first-time offenders
- Loss of livelihood
- Loss of home and possibly marriage and child custody
- Loss of future employability
- Loss of reputation
- Increased insurance premiums
- Cost of public transportation, driving services such as Uber or Lyft, or hiring a driver
In Connecticut, a DUI arrest can lead to a complete downward spiral. You may lose your job if you are not able to drive. Your employer may even terminate you if your DUI becomes public knowledge. This could lead to economic stress which will likely affect your personal relationships.
A good defense can be all the difference in avoiding or limiting the above. When you need legal advice regarding a DUI arrest, The Sills Law Firm is here to help.
FAQS
How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Connecticut?
The cost of hiring legal representation in Connecticut can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the attorney’s experience and reputation, and the specific services required. Generally, DUI lawyers in Connecticut charge fees in different ways, including hourly or flat rates for specific services, so there is no average cost involved.
It’s important to discuss attorney fees and payment plans with potential DUI lawyers during the initial consultation. They can provide you with a clearer understanding of their fee structure and any potential costs that may arise throughout the legal process. It’s advisable to consider the criminal defense attorney’s qualifications, experience, and track record alongside the cost when making a decision to ensure you find the right representation for your DUI case.
How Do I Find a Good DUI Lawyer?
Choosing a DUI lawyer in Connecticut requires research and careful consideration. You can start by asking friends, family members, or colleagues if they have any recommendations for criminal defense lawyers they trust. Personal referrals can provide valuable insights and firsthand experiences.
If you can’t get any recommendations, you can Google DUI attorney near me or check online legal directories that provide information about attorneys’ backgrounds, experience, and client reviews. Reading reviews from previous clients can offer insights into their satisfaction with the lawyer’s services.
Look for lawyers who specialize in DUI defense. DUI laws and procedures can be complex, so working with an experienced attorney with a strong background in this area can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. They will be current on any recent changes to the law and know how to create a defense strategy that will make the biggest impact.
With our extensive experience, proven track record, and client-centered approach, The Sills Law Firm stands out as the natural choice for your Connecticut DUI defense. Our criminal lawyers have successfully represented numerous clients facing drunk driving charges and regularly delivered favorable outcomes. By choosing The Sills Law Firm, you can have confidence knowing that your rights and best interests are in capable hands.
Speak to a Connecticut DUI Lawyer Today
If you have been charged with DUI in Connecticut, your primary concerns will be keeping costs as low and consequences as minimal as possible. Our Connecticut DUI attorneys at The Sills Law Firm, LLC understand your concerns and will focus our efforts on protecting your freedom, maintaining your reputation, and keeping your costs down. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call (866) 970-9818 or contact us online today.
