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what is the average dui cost in ohio
Alcohol-related offenses are expensive in Ohio. The average cost of a DUI is much higher than most people anticipate. When you add in court costs, license reinstatement, legal fees, and other ancillary costs, the total cost quickly rises to thousands of dollars. The fact that a DUI can disrupt ones life in other ways should be motivation enough to avoid ever getting one.
Consider a few facts. First, a conviction of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol (OVI) is considered a criminal offense. There are consequences and fines that range from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars. Requirements for an initial license suspension vary from a minimum of three months to two, three or more years depending on the severity of the infraction. Second, if you are charged with a DUI you must go to court where the charges will be heard. A judge will render a verdict and determine the appropriate sentence. Third, an Ohio driver whose license has been suspended must pay reinstatement costs which range from $30 to $525 depending on the circumstances and duration of the suspension.
The financial implications are just the start of the costs associated with a DUI. The average driver convicted of a DUI can lose an estimated $40,000 to $60,000 in ancillary costs such as lost wages, legal fees, automobile insurance rate increases, substance abuse treatment, and more. In some cases, fines, court costs, and other fees related to a conviction could cost as much as $15,000. In addition to the financial cost, there is the cost of leading a stigmatized life.
Another factor to consider is the potential effects a DUI could have on ones career. A DUI can prevent a person from getting a job, potentially lose or suspend professional licenses, result in an increase in car insurance premiums and cost, or even affect child custody cases. Driving privileges may be prohibitively limited for certain jobs requiring the use of a car or commercial vehicle.
From the above, it is obvious how the average DUI cost in Ohio can quickly add up. With so much at stake, it is wise to plan ahead. If you are going to drink, make sure to plan an alternative route. Invest in an Uber or Lyft subscription for when the need arises. If you find yourself in a situation where you should not be driving, cave in to the social pressure and find someone who can take over the wheel. Doing so could save you a bundle of money and lots of trouble.
The Ohio courts take DUI offenses seriously. Upon conviction, a person may be subject to imprisonment, expensive fines, license suspension, and other penalties. You could also face revocation of your drivers license, which may result in difficulty in obtaining a professional drivers license. This could hinder future employment opportunities. Depending on the severity of the offense, a person may complete a treatment program or face jail time.
Aside from these potential repercussions, there are indirect costs. If you are convicted of a DUI, your auto insurance rates could skyrocket. You may experience a major increase in premiums and possibly difficulty obtaining affordable coverage. In some cases, you may be required to obtain an SR-22 filing to prove that you are properly insured.
It is easy to not consider the full ramifications of a DUI. People often think that they can get away with it but the real cost of a DUI may be much higher than one can expect. A DUI conviction in Ohio carries hefty fines and other penalties that can easily break the bank. The best way to avoid paying the high cost of a DUI in Ohio is to plan ahead. Dont drive if you have been drinking. Seek alternative means of transportation so that you can avoid having to bear the burdensome cost of a DUI.
People have long associated a DUI with being socially unacceptable. Conviction can lead to more than just financial consequences. Your relationships with friends, family, and co-workers as well as professional licensing bodies could all be impacted negatively. Relationships with your employer or future employers may suffer as well.
Ohio drivers should also consider how a DUI might affect their voting rights. Depending on the conviction, one may be restricted from voting in some circumstances. A lot is riding legally and financially on DUI convictions in Ohio and understanding the consequences is essential.
Drinking and driving are unfortunately a major problem on Ohio roads. The best way to keep people safe and avoid a DUI is to simply plan ahead. Get a ride, or have a designated driver. If you are unable to do either, there is a variety of other transportation options to get you home safe. It is well worth the few extra dollars of spending money for a cab ride or a ride-share service to avoid the potential costs of a DUI.
The Ohio court system takes intoxication offenses very seriously and will not hesitate to issue hefty fines in cases of conviction. Thus, to avoid the pricey fines it is important to have a plan. Investing in rides when you plan to drink will save you much more in the long run. In addition, it is worth bearing in mind the various possible implications that a DUI conviction can have. Your career, relationships, and freedom can all be affected negatively should you find yourself dealing with a DUI.
Weighing the possible fines and other indirect costs against the financial and emotional strain of a DUI conviction, prevention is certainly the better choice. When in doubt, have a plan, and never risk drinking and driving.
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