Tips to Save Money after a DUI in Colorado
The most pressing concerning a defendant will have after getting a DUI is jail. A jail sentence will have a significant impact on a defendant’s life. It can cause them to lose their jobs or substantial hardship in maintaining employment.
Jail time is not the only punishment a defendant will face during a DUI case. DUI cases are extremely expensive. The Colorado Department of Transportation previously estimated the average cost of a DUI to be approximately $10,000. Unfortunately, the figure is now increased by $3,000.
There are not many big-ticket items. Instead, they are death by a thousand cuts. A defendant is required to make several new payments over the course of a probationary sentence. It adds up significantly over time.
A DUI lawyer focuses on addressing every aspect of your criminal defense. This includes addressing the financial aspect of your case. In some cases, it is possible to reduce the average cost. Here are some simple things that a DUI defendant can do to reduce their costs.
Enroll in DUI Classes and Treatment early in Colorado.
Judges look to address underlying drinking problems when dealing with DUI cases. A defendant facing charges for DUI or DWAI is required to complete substance abuse counseling and treatment. The defendant needs to enroll in these classes to for the DMV to get their driving privileges reinstated in some cases.
These classes are commonly referred to as Level II alcohol classes. A defendant is allowed to choose their substance abuse counselors. Level 2 classes are held weekly, and they are two hours each week. The classes consist of educational classes and therapeutic sessions.
The education classes take 12 weeks to complete. The length of the therapy sessions will depend on an alcohol assessment. The assessment will focus on the blood alcohol concentration or BAC of the defendant and number of priors.
Defendants save money by finding cost efficient providers. The provider a client uses is not as important as the attitude they take to the class. The cheapest classes in the Denver Metro Area are $10 a week. Other providers charge substantially more, but they can offer other benefits.
An individual can start classes before receiving a DUI conviction or being placed on probation. The court gives the defendant credit for any work he completes prior to being put on probation. The defendant being proactive will convey many benefits to them.
On probation, a defendant will be placed on monitored sobriety. Monitored sobriety is random testing a defendant must complete throughout the month. The testing may be ordered at the discretion of probation. In cases where defendants are proactive, they will likely not be required to do testing throughout the entire probationary period.
This is important because a defendant needs to pay for every test they complete. The sooner a defendant stops taking those tests the less money they spend each month on probation.
Classes are also the most time-consuming portion of a probationary sentence. Starting early before sentencing for a DUI case helps defendants ask to end probation early.
Early Termination of Probation will Save a Criminal Defendant money.
Individuals convicted of driving under the influence or driving while ability is impaired will be placed on probation. Alcohol probation consists of the alcohol classes, community service, monitored sobriety, and a MADD Victim Impact panel. Judges place defendants on probation for a period of 1-2 years.
Probation, in most counties, is charged on am monthly basis at $50. The total probationary costs for a one-year probationary sentence are $600. A two-year probationary sentence costs $1,200.
Probationary sentences can be terminated early. This type of request is likely to be considered when proactive work is done prior to sentencing. Ending probation early results in a reduction in the probationary costs a defendant pays. Termination ends to ongoing costs associated with testing as well.
A defendant is always allowed to ask for less probation at the onset as well. Sentencing in DUI cases present a defendant with the chance to ask for leniency in a variety of ways. This includes probation length. Proactive defendants will position themselves to ask for the least amount of probation possible.
The Fee for a DUI case can Be Waived
The possible fine for a DWAI in Colorado is $200 to $500. The fine for a DUI is $600 to $1,000. Judges consider other factors when deciding on a sentence, and the fine is the least important thing when giving a punishment. It is typical for judges to impose the minimum amount.
The fine can be suspended. The typical language judges use is the fine is suspended upon successful completion of probation. This result is likely to happen in cases where the defendant is proactive as well as requesting the relief.
The judge must impose court costs. These costs are extremely expensive. Defendants that are indigent may have them waived through special order of the court.
The Driver’s License Process can provide some Money Saving Opportunities
Colorado has an expressed consent statute. This statute requires a defendant to submit to a blood or breath test to determine their blood alcohol content.
If the test shows a blood alcohol level above .08, the defendant's driving privileges will be taken away. Refusal will also result in a license suspension or revocation.
Defendant may obtain a license if they obtain an ignition interlock device. This device is approximately $50 to $60 a month. Attorneys work with interlock providers. Some providers give coupons that give discounts to their clients.
The revocation period for a first-time offender with a BAC over .08 is 9 months. Multiple offenses and refusals result in longer revocation periods. In some cases, the defendant need only wait the revocation period and apply for privileges after.
This option may not be viable for every defendant. It is important to speak with a DUI Attorney to understand the options that you have.
SPEAK WITH A DUI DEFENSE ATTORNEY WHEN CHARGED WITH DUI IN COLORADO
The costs associated with a DUI are substantial. The goal of the Lawrence Law Firm is to provide aggressive defense in a financial affordable fashion. We offer flexible payment plans and flat fees. Your budget should never compromise your defense.
We also offer free consultations. These are times to meet and discuss options with our DUI Defense lawyer. It is our goal to explain your case and options without worrying about the costs of a DUI attorney.
If you are charged with a DUI or DWAI offense is Aurora or the Denver Metro Area, request a consultation today. We are open during regular business hours, and we will stay late and be available on the weekends if necessary.
Schedule a free consultation with a DUI Defense attorney from the Lawrence Law Firm. We are ready, willing, and able to represent you. Our DUI attorney costs may help you save money in the long run.