A driving under the influence (DUI) charge is a serious offense that could wreak havoc on your financial situation. The conventional wisdom is that when all is said and done, a DUI can end up costing you $10,000. While financial penalties will be unavoidable if you’re found guilty, there are a few ways you can at least reduce the damage.
Go to Classes
While DUI punishments vary from state to state, one thing all states have in common is that there are classes available for DUI offenders.
The court may sentence you to complete a certain number of classes, but whether it does or doesn’t, you should take classes regardless, as they could help you get a better deal on your insurance.
Shop around for Insurance
There’s no way around it—insurance gets very expensive when you’ve gotten a DUI. But it’s still worthwhile to shop around and see what kind of rates you can get from different carriers.
Keep in mind that you may need to get barebones insurance coverage, at least for the time being, if money is tight. Another option would be going carless and sticking to public transportation.
Work with a DUI Attorney
You definitely don’t want a public defender representing you for a DUI. A DUI attorney like Steve W. Sumner, Attorney At Law or someone similar can make a significant difference in the result of your case.
If the arresting officer did something wrong, there’s the possibility that your attorney helps you get the charges dismissed. Otherwise, they can at least work out a favorable plea deal for you.
Steer Clear of Any Future Mistakes
You can’t erase your DUI, but you can at least avoid compounding the issue. Follow the terms of your sentencing to the letter, because violating them in any way will make your situation much worse.
Keep your nose clean and stay out of potentially risky situations that could result in an arrest. Most importantly, don’t drive if you’ve even had a sip of alcohol, as even a low blood alcohol content (BAC) could now get you into trouble. Dui penalties get far stricter when you’re a repeat offender.
Dealing with the aftermath of a DUI is stressful, but if you handle it correctly, you’ll get back on your feet much quicker. Follow the tips above to fulfill the terms of your sentencing, get insured again, and stay on the straight and narrow.