A fine is just the beginning of what an arrest for drunk driving can cost even if you do not have an accident or harm anyone, according to an article by MSN Money's Christopher Solomon called, "DUI: The $10,000 ride home." When you add up the total costs involved, even a first-offense DUI can total more than $10,000 over the next few years. For repeat offenders, the cost increases dramatically.

Doing a study of fines and fees in several states, Solomon came up with the following estimated costs of a DUI:

• Bail: $150-$2,500 just to get out of jail.
  
• Towing: $100-$1,200 to get your car back.
• Auto insurance: $4,500 or more over three years.
  
• Legal fees: $2,000-$25,000 depending on the circumstances.
  
• Fines: $300-$1,200 depending on local laws.
  
• Alcohol Evaluation: $181 depending on state law.
  
• Alcohol Education: $350-$2,000 for DUI school.

Solomon says it is not the standard fines and fees that are the only costs, but there are also unexpected and "sometimes unquantifiable costs" for a DUI, such as increased life insurance premiums, time lost off the job to meet legal obligations, lost jobs because of the loss of driver's license, the loss of a professional license because of the conviction and lost of future employment because of the DUI showing up on a background check.

More Information:

• DUI: The $10,000 Ride Home
  
• How Does a DUI Conviction Affect Your Insurance?
  
• State by State Drunk Driving Laws

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