This is a subject that we spend extra attention to because it is one of the top questions our clients ask us when they call. And it is a completely justifiable question to ask – money is important to everyone. Throughout this website my partner and I have dedicated a lot of time answering questions relating to how we can help protect you from all of the horrible consequences associated with a DUI/OVI conviction. As former prosecutors we have been on both sides of the issue, and both sides of the courtroom. Some other websites call a DUI the $10,000.00 ride home, but do not go into much detail. So … what are the costs associated with a DUI?
1- Attorney fees in a DUI/OVI:
I know attorneys that practice in this area, and who have done so for decades, that charge upwards of $10,000.00 for their representation during your case. I also know of other attorneys that only charge $750.00 for representation during your case. We are somewhere in the middle – all of our attorneys are former prosecutors and we bring the best defense we believe you can afford for the price we charge. As a practical matter my Firm only charges flat fees in DUI cases because we believe that allows us two things. (1) It allows us the certainty of knowing how much we will receive in a case, (2) it allows us to properly defend you without worrying about running the clock up at our hourly rate. I make it a point to work with clients to reach payment plans in certain, compelling, cases.
2- Court costs and Fines:
This is something that few people think about. In Ohio the fines for a DUI/OVI conviction are fixed between $375 – $1075 for a first offense, and they go up into the tens of thousands from there depending on your type of offense. As for court costs each individual court is different – some courts charge more for certain aspects of the case than others. It is important to talk to your attorney about what they could be because between court costs and fines you could be looking at thousands of dollars just there. Of course if you prevail in your court case you do not have to pay fines or court costs.
3- Driving privileges:
We make it a priority to obtain driving privileges for our clients. Without the ability to drive to, and possible while at, work you could lose your job. Alternatively, if you have to pay someone to drive you or take public transportation while your case is pending you could very well spend thousands of dollars on transportation.
4- Insurance costs, points on your license:
Most people do not know this, and some attorneys do not know this, but a DUI conviction in Ohio carries with it a mandatory six points on your license. And if you are under the age of 21 you are going to be required to acquire high risk insurance at an incredibly high cost. Even if you are over the age of 21 at the time of your arrest if you pick up six points on your license your insurance is going to go up by a considerable amount each year.
Call us at (440) 471-7811 for a pressure free, no obligation, consultation. Ask to speak with me, Joe Patituce, regarding the facts of your case. If I agree to take on your case I would be more than honored to be your DUI Attorney in Cleveland. Call today and let us explain what we can do to protect you.
