When people think of Independence Day, fireworks, barbecues, and the American flag are usually the first images that come to mind. However, the most unpleasant aspect of the holiday is the prevalence of drunk driving. With so many people partying and imbibing alcohol, it’s not uncommon to find someone asking for a DUI lawyer around July Fourth. To fully understand the ramifications of such a problem, consider the following.

The Costs of a DUI

Facts

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the fatalities caused by alcohol-related car crashes over the holiday weekend have steadily increased over the years. In 2015, drunk-driving crashes killed 146 people; in 2016, there were 192; and in 2017, the number increased to 237. These all occurred during the Fourth of July holiday period.

Immediate Consequences

Although the specific duration varies from state to state, usually anyone arrested for drunk driving will temporarily lose their driving privileges for some time. It may be immediate, or it could happen after the first hearing. It doesn’t matter whether you have a criminal record or not. Even if you contact a DUI lawyer quickly, this temporary suspension is mandatory. Furthermore, the length of the suspension will depend on whether it’s a first-time or subsequent offense, as well as if there were any casualties involved.

Fines & Jail Time

Those convicted of a DUI will, at the very least, pay a fine. The fines can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. Also, most states have made jail time a requirement; again, the exact duration varies. Depending on your record and how well a DUI lawyer represents your case, it can be a few days for first-time offenses or a few years for subsequent ones.

Impact on Insurance

DUI convictions often lead to an increase in car insurance premiums, as well. It doesn’t matter whether your vehicle incurred any damage during the incident. If there’s a conviction on your record, you can see an increase of up to three times the original rate. So, even if there were no pricey repairs, car expenses will rise.

If you or someone you know needs a reliable and dedicated DUI lawyer, call Michael A. Newland Law Office at (513) 887-9595. Located in Hamilton, OH, he has served Butler County and the surrounding region for 30 years. He will work quickly and diligently to ensure your case is represented accurately. For more information on how he handles DUIs, please visit his website.