How Much Does a DWI Cost in Eden Prairie?
If you are like most people, the prospect of serving time in jail is at the forefront of your mind following a driving while impaired (DWI) arrest and searching up for the DWI cost. While the potential for incarceration is serious, it is important to remember that a conviction could also lead to steep financial consequences as well.
In most cases, a conviction for DWI in Eden Prairie will result in monetary fines and court costs. While these could run you thousands of dollars, they only represent some of the costs of a DWI conviction.
The good news is that it is possible to avoid both direct and indirect expenses related to a DWI. If you were arrested on a DWI charge, you have the right to fight against a conviction. If you see your case dismissed or win at trial, you could avoid many of these expenses. Talk to the attorneys of Gerald Miller to learn about your defense options.
Monetary Costs Associated with a DWI Conviction
There are numerous different expenses that could combine to determine the cost of a DWI in Eden Prairie. Fines and court costs can be a major expense, but they are only a few of the factors that could impact the cost of a DWI. Altogether, your DWI conviction could cost you thousands of dollars. What’s more, the financial impact of a conviction could continue to haunt you for years to come.
Fines and Court Costs
The most common expenses related to a DWI case are fines and court costs. Fines are a monetary penalty you are required to pay if you are convicted of DWI. Often, the court will issue both jail time and fines after a conviction.
The amount of your fines will vary. If you are a first-time offender, the maximum fine you might face could vary between $1,000 and $3,000. If you are convicted of felony DWI, those penalties could be much higher. Altogether, the maximum fine for a felony DWI is $14,000.
Court costs are typically less than fines, but every dollar charged during this process ads up quickly. Court costs are designed to cover the cost of the state pursuing your case from start to finish.
Impound and Towing
There are some costs you might not be able to avoid—even if you ultimately are acquitted on your DWI charges. If you are arrested under suspicion of DWI, your vehicle will be towed and impounded. There are fees for both, and you are responsible for them if you want your vehicle returned to you.
License-Related Costs
Not only could you face a suspension of your driving privileges after a DWI conviction, but you could also be forced to bear the costs associated with your suspension. This could include fees for reinstating your license or installing an interlock device into your vehicle.
Consequences That Could Lead to Indirect Financial Costs in Eden Prairie
The financial costs that can result from a DWI arrest and conviction are not always direct. In addition to the fines and reinstatement fees you could face, there are other aspects of a conviction that could lead to financial strain indirectly.
What is unfortunate about these collateral costs is that there is little that the prosecution can do to soften the blow during plea bargaining. The state has the power to offer reduced fines, but they have no control over related expenses like increased insurance costs or difficulty securing employment. Some of the most common collateral costs that can come with a DWI conviction include:
- Termination of employment
- Rejected job application
- Lost professional license
- Increased car insurance premiums
- Loss of transportation
Because the courts have no control over these secondary costs, your only chance to avoid these consequences is by beating your charges. If you are acquitted of DWI, you could avoid most of the collateral expenses that can come with a conviction.
Talk to an Attorney About the DWI Cost in Eden Prairie
With the right attorney, you could avoid most of the costs associated with a DWI in Eden Prairie. If you are ready to get started on planning your defense strategy, the attorneys of Gerald Miller are here to help. Call right away to set up your free consultation.
