When representing clients in cases of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) throughout DuPage County, Cook County, and the greater Chicago area, one of the main concerns we always address is how much a DUI case will cost.

We're not just talking court fees and attorneys fees, but the cumulative cost which comes with the countless consequences of a DUI conviction. It is easy to forget that outside of the immediate legal and administrative costs of a DUI case, there are also long-lasting effects such as an increase in insurance rates or income loss, which can become an unexpected financial burden if not taken into consideration.

Regardless of the circumstances, every DUI case is a high-stakes case. In any DUI case, much hangs in the balance, including the defendant's future, livelihood, and financial stability. Because so much is at stake, we take DUI cases very seriously and treat our clients' wants and wishes with the utmost dedication. We also make a point to be realistic and honest about what defendants are facing when they've been charged with a DUI.

One point we always communicate during DUI consultations is that a conviction can be extremely costly. In many cases, a first-time DUI conviction can cost upwards of $10,000. Even so, it's important to understand the reasons and distributions of these costs. In this article, we will break down, piece by piece, various costs of a DUI from legal to long-term, so you can estimate how much a DUI conviction may cost you.

If you're looking for information on the legal penalties of Illinois or DuPage County DUIs, we have a comprehensive section of web pages dedicated to different DUI charges in Illinois, including: 

• First Offense DUI
• Second Offense DUI
• Third Offense (and consecutive) DUI
• Aggravated DUI
• Underage DUI
• and more 

To see a detailed breakdown of the costs of a first-time DUI conviction, just keep reading.

Costs of a First Offense DUI in DuPage County or Illinois

When calculating the minimal cost of a first-time DUI conviction, we like to split the costs into three separate categories:

• Criminal - The legal costs associated with the cost of a criminal conviction, including legal fees, attorneys fees, and any fines required as part of criminal sentencing

• Administrative - The costs associated with your Illinois driver's license and any administrative actions carried out by the Illinois Secretary of State

• Collateral - Additional costs which are not criminal or administrative, but are common to first-time DUI convictions

The Criminal Costs of an Illinois / DuPage County DUI

First, we will discuss the criminal costs associated with an Illinois DUI. These are often the most obvious and immediate costs a defendant will face in a DUI case.  

Court Fees

If you have been charged with an Illinois DUI, there are significant costs involved throughout the court process. Court fees can accumulate as your case continues and you appear at multiple court dates. Because these costs grow as the DUI case drags on, many defendants choose to retain an attorney to fight their DUI case. This is because one of the main benefits of retaining legal representation is that a seasoned and strategic defense attorney can help you avoid exorbitant court costs while still achieving optimal outcomes.

Estimated Cost of Court Fees in an Illinois / DuPage County DUI: $750 - $1,200

Criminal Fines

In most Illinois convictions, the defendant will be required to pay a criminal fine of some sort. Typically, the fine for a first-time DUI conviction can cost up to $2,500.

Estimated Cost of Criminal Fines in an Illinois / DuPage County DUI: $2,500

The Administrative Costs of an Illinois / DuPage County DUI

License Reinstatement

Driving privileges are essential to the day-by-day life of many individuals, whether they need to drive to work, school, or any other commitments. For many, it's a given that once they are eligible to reinstate their Illinois license, they will choose to do so. However, the process of license reinstatement in Illinois also comes with a significant cost -- $500 for a reinstatement fee, along with a minimum of $50 for a formal hearing, and the cost of a new license. 

Estimated Cost of License Reinstatement fees in an Illinois / DuPage County DUI: $550 - $600

BAIID Device

Many individuals convicted of a DUI choose to opt into Illinois' BAIID (Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device) program if they are deemed eligible. A BAIID device allows driving upon checking a driver's BAC (blood alcohol content). The installation of a BAIID device usually costs about $100 to install. On top of that, BAIID costs $80 per month to maintain, and a monitoring fee of $30 per month. All in all, the installation and maintenance of a BAIID device in the first year can be expected to cost $1,420.

Estimated Cost of BAIID Device in an Illinois / DuPage County DUI: $1,420

Rehabilitative Fees

A common requirement of those convicted of a DUI in Illinois is the requirement to fulfill a rehabilitation or DUI course. These courses typically consist of classes which cost an estimate of $50-$100, as well as counseling fees which will cost around $200. In total, the cost of rehabilitative courses in a first offense DUI can cost from $250 - $300.

Estimated Cost of Rehabilitative Coursework in an Illinois / DuPage County DUI: $250 - $300

The Collateral Costs of an Illinois / DuPage County DUI

Towing and Impounding

Oftentimes, on top of fines, a DUI offense or conviction can also come with fees for the initial towing and impounding of a vehicle following a DUI arrest. These fees can be expected to cost around $150 - $300.

Estimated Cost of Towing/Impounding an Illinois / DuPage County DUI: $150 - $300

Auto Insurance

Having to purchase high risk auto insurance is a common consequence individuals with DUI convictions face, and those costs add up significantly. Although the increase in insurance rates will vary in each situation, high risk auto insurance costs an additional average of $1,500 per year, for a typical time span of three years. That means, over the course of three years, a DUI conviction can lead to an extra $4,500 paid in auto insurance. 

Estimated Cost of Additional Auto Insurance in an Illinois / DuPage County DUI: ~$4,500

Income Loss 

Lastly, but certainly not least, a DUI conviction can have a significant effect on income. Like many criminal convictions, a DUI can affect your employment depending on your line of work or workplace policy. The potential of income loss can severely impact an individual's life if they are convicted of a DUI. It goes without saying that losing a job from a DUI, having to take days off, or facing a demotion can cause significant financial distress. 

Estimated Income Loss an Illinois / DuPage County DUI: Highly Variable

Facing a DUI Case? Schedule a Free Consultation with Experienced Illinois DUI Defense Attorneys Today

If you or a loved one are facing an Illinois DUI charge, much at stake. You may feel anxious about what the future may hold, and what consequences you may face in the near future. However, you always have options. The former prosecutors and DUI defense lawyers at Dolci & Weiland have helped many clients throughout DuPage County and Illinois successfully fight their DUI cases, and we are here to help. To schedule your free consultation today, give our office a call at (630) 261-9098