An arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) in California can be incredibly expensive, especially in cases that go to trial. Find out how much a DUI trial costs in Los Angeles with this article. You can review costs for a lawyer as well as the costs for losing a DUI case.
Get the information you need about DUI charges in Los Angeles from the professionals at the Simmrin Law Group. Call (310) 896-2723 to review options for a DUI defense right now.
Pre-Trial Costs for a DUI in Los Angeles
There are many different costs associated with a DUI trial in Los Angeles. Some of these costs occur before a driver’s criminal trial ever begins. For example, drivers may be required to pay bail to stay out of jail before their trial.
First time DUI offenders are often not required to pay bail, but they may be asked to pay thousands of dollars. In fact, the court system in Los Angeles recommends a bail payment of $5,000 for a first DUI. Note that this amount is not often required.
Drivers charged with a DUI may also need to pay around $500 if their vehicle is towed or impounded. Note that all the costs listed in this article are estimates, as the court system has lee-way in the prices charged throughout a DUI case.
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DUI Trial Costs in Los Angeles
Once a driver’s DUI trial starts, there will be a number of costs they need to consider. The primary cost during a trial will be payments to a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles. DUI lawyers do not all charge clients the same amount.
Basic costs for a DUI lawyer without a lot of experience can start at around $2,500. However, the costs to secure professional legal assistance can increase past $10,000 in some situations. Generally, DUI lawyers charge more for complicated DUI cases, including those:
- Involving a DUI accident
- Drivers with substance abuse issues
- Charged as felonies in Los Angeles
However, working with a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles can increase your odds of successfully resolving criminal charges. Losing a DUI case can result in much higher costs, as we will discuss in the next section of the article.
Post-Trial Costs for a DUI in California
Drivers can face numerous costs after their DUI trial in Los Angeles. A driver convicted of a DUI can expect to face:
- Court fines of up to $2,000
- Booking fees of around $300
- Enrollment in alcohol treatment programs (cost varies based on the length of the program)
- Enrollment in Hospital and Morgue (HAMM) class for $120
- Enrollment in drunk driving classes for $35
Additionally, drivers may have to pay the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) around $125 to get back their driving privileges if their license was suspended as part of their DUI arrest. Most drivers in California are now required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) after a DUI arrest. These devices come with:
- Initial installation costs of around $100
- Operational costs of around $2.50 a day
Drivers convicted of a DUI generally must keep an IID in their vehicle for months or even years. Finally, a DUI conviction can raise a driver’s insurance premium severely, leading to additional costs for a DUI trial conviction in Los Angeles.
Handle DUI Trial Costs with a Legal Professional
You can reduce the odds that you will face penalties for a DUI arrest in California if you reach out to a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles as soon as you are arrested. Your lawyer could be able to resolve your case by getting your charges reduced or even dismissed.
The team at the Simmrin Law Group can assess your unique legal needs if you are accused of a DUI. We can work to construct a courtroom ready defense for you. Allow us to fight for you in and out of the courtroom, to reduce the overall costs of a DUI trial in Los Angeles.
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Control the Cost of a DUI Trial in Los Angeles
A DUI trial in Los Angeles can cost thousands of dollars, especially if you are convicted of a DUI. Fortunately, you can get legal help building a strong defense now with the Simmrin Law Group. Our team will focus on helping you keep the costs of a DUI low. Find out more with a FREE consultation. Allow us to review the facts of your case today.
Contact our DUI lawyers in Los Angeles right now by filling out our online contact form or calling (310) 896-2723.
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