Being convicted for a DWI could land you in serious trouble with the law. However, that is not all. A guilty verdict could impact your finances in several ways.
The most obvious one is the legal representation fees and fines you may have to part with upon conclusion of your case. For example, DWI cases are taken seriously in New York, and you could end up paying up to $10,000 depending on the circumstance of your case.
Here are other ways a DWI conviction could affect your finances.
Your insurance premiums may go up
If you are found guilty of DWI, your insurance costs will likely increase. Insurers consider you a high-risk driver for driving while intoxicated, which may reflect in your insurance payments. Your premiums could spike by more than 70%.
A suspended driver’s license could come with additional costs
A DWI conviction could see your driving license revoked for some time. Therefore, moving around to attend to your daily duties may be costly if you cannot drive yourself and have to rely on other means.
Other associated costs
A DWI conviction may require you to attend a rehabilitation or treatment course, which comes at a cost. Adding other minor expenses such as towing fees and license reinstatement fees, you might be looking at a significant amount of money.
Are you facing DWI charges?
If you are facing DWI charges, avoiding a conviction should be your primary objective, given the much at stake.
The good news is that it is possible to successfully go against your charges. Various defenses exist which could weaken the prosecution’s case or cast doubts on your guilt. However, to avoid any nasty surprises, you need to learn more about what to expect in your DWI trial and plan accordingly.
