What Does a DUI or DWI Cost in Maryland?

I am often asked by clients and people that hope to never be arrested for DUI or DWI in Baltimore, what does a DUI or DWI cost in Maryland?

There are a number of factors to be considered in calculating the cost of a DUI or DWI in Maryland.  One of the most important factors is which DUI or DWI are you facing?  If you are facing a first time DUI or DWI in Maryland the costs are going to be a lot less than a second or more DUI or DWI in Maryland.  The costs below are estimates but they would fall within the range as denoted below.

Towing Costs: $150.00 – $1,000.00

Defending on the location of your vehicle when you are stopped for a DUI or DWI in Maryland can make the difference in costs of towing.  What can also matter is what mood the officer is in when you are stopped.  Many police officers in Maryland will park your vehicle in a safe spot and allow you to return to pick the car up when you have sobered up.

Alcohol Treatment: $300.00 – $4,000.00

Alcohol treatment can of the most expensive costs in a DUI or DWI arrests.  Depending on the DUI or DWI arrest one is facing in Maryland, the costs can vary.  A good rule of thumb is $100.00 per day for long term treatment.  That can vary depending on inpatient treatment vs. outpatient treatment.  Alcoholic Anonymous meetings are usually free and that is one cost that can be avoided, but most Courts want to see each defendant spend some time in intensive treatment or education.

Legal Costs: $2,000.00 – $5,000.00

Legal costs are a one of the other biggest costs of a DUI or DWI case in Maryland.  You want to choose a Maryland DUI & DWI attorney that knows the law and has experience in the field.  I wouldn’t hire a tax or bankruptcy lawyer to handle a DUI or DWI.  You are going to pay for that experience and knowledge.

Court Costs and Fines: $150.00 – $1,000.00

Depending on the jurisdiction and Judge your Court costs and fines will vary.  Some Judges don’t make DUI and DWI defendants pay a lot in Court costs and fines while other Judges will make defendants pay a hefty fine and take on the maximum Court costs.

Bail: $1,000.00 – $10,000.00

This is another a cost that can vary depending on a prior DUI or DWI record as well as the prior criminal record and failures to appear in Court.  If the Court or commissioner believes that the defendant is a risk to society or will not show up in Court, then the cost will be more.  However, some jurisdictions will release a DUI or DWI defendant on their own recognizance

Car Insurance: $1,000.00 – $5,000.00

Car insurance premium increases for a DUI or DWI may not be felt on the night of the DUI or DWI arrest in Maryland, but will be seen over the years after a DUI or DWI arrest.  Insurance companies do not like insured clients that have been charged with DUI or DWI.  They will use that fact as a reason to increase insurance rates for each year and it may take years for the insurance company to forgive your night of indiscretion.

Ignition Interlock: $550 – $1,000.00

If you are stopped and the police officer suspects that you have alcohol in your system, you will be required to submit to an alcohol concentration test in Maryland.  If you refuse to submit to the test or you test results are above certain levels then your privilege to drive will be suspended.  In most cases, the only way to keep you license is to have an ignition interlock installed in your vehicle.  Installation costs can run from $100 to $200 and there is a monthly system check-up fee that can run from $30.00 to $50.00 depending on the vendor.

MVA Hearing: $125.00

If you decide that you would like to have an MVA hearing to contest the traffic stop of some element of the breath test then you will have to submit a $125.00 check to the Office of Administrative Hearings to have that hearing.

Total Cost for a DUI or DWI in Maryland: $5,275.00 – $27,125.00

If you have been charged with a DUI or DWI in Maryland, contact a Maryland DUI / DWI Defense Attorney, G. Randolph Rice, Jr., at (410) 431-0911

DUI & DWI Defense Attorney in Baltimore County Maryland

DUI & DWI Defense Attorney in Harford County Maryland

DUI & DWI Defense Attorney in Anne Arundel County Maryland

DUI & DWI Defense Attorney in Howard County Maryland

Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., LLC

6914 Holabird Avenue, Suite A

Dundalk, Maryland 21222

Office (Available 24/7) (410) 431-0911

Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., voted a Best Baltimore DUI DWI Defense Attorney by CitySpur