If you or a loved one have been arrested for a DUI, the experience will be an expensive one. Questions like “how much is bail for a DUI” barely scratch the surface of the costs related to charges of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Let’s take a look at the circumstances that affect bail for DUI and the other associated costs and penalties involved.
How Much is Bail for DUI Nationwide?
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime in the U.S. Every state and the District of Columbia has different laws and terminology governing operating motor vehicles under the influence. Each state allows bail for DUI, though often under other initials. Many states use one or more of the following acronyms:
- DUI: Driving [a motor vehicle while] under the influence
- DWI: Driving while intoxicated
- DUIL Driving under the influence of liquor
- OUIL: Operating [a motor vehicle while] under the influence of liquor
- OUI: Operating under the influence
- OWI: Operating while intoxicated
The nationwide average bail amount for DUI misdemeanor first offense ranges from $500 – $10,000. Felony DUI runs up to $50,000 for a first offense. This assumes no aggravating conditions lead to “enhancements” or increases to the DUI charge. If the DUI included any of the following circumstances, the DUI bail cost will be higher:
- Child endangerment
- Reckless speed
- Blood alcohol level above 0.15%
- Blood alcohol level above 0.2%
- Open container
- Evading arrest
- Hit and run
If this is not the first offense, the bail for DUI will likely start at $10,000 and go up from there. If you (or someone else) drive under the influence while on probation for a previous offense, expect to pay a DUI bail amount of $25,000-$15,000 for the second offense and $10,000 for breaking the parole conditions. If driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol results in an injury to another person, you’ll need $100,000 to bail out of jail.
How to Get Bail for DUI
If you (or someone else) are arrested for DUI, a breathalyzer test will typically be administered on-site to measure the concentration of alcohol in your system. Refusing a breathalyzer test will not stop you from being charged with a DUI, and it may increase the penalties you face. Next, you will be taken to the police station to be fingerprinted and photographed. Then, you’ll be booked into the local jail to await your arraignment. This is when you meet with a judge, hear the charges against you, and the judge sets the DUI bail amount and any conditions for bail.
You must agree to all the bail conditions set and pay the DUI bail amount to secure your release from jail. These conditions may include required enrollment in a 12-step program, Risk Reduction classes, monthly drug or alcohol screenings, and/or requiring that you install and maintain an ignition interlock device (IID) on any automobile you drive. You will be required to cover any costs associated with DUI bail conditions like the screening, classes, or IID. You also must promise to make all your scheduled court dates and comply with all the bail conditions. If not, your bail may be revoked, and you will return to jail.
Once the DUI bail amount is set, you have three choices:
- You can pay the bail amount in full by cash or bank order.
- You can hire a bail bond agent for a small percentage of the total bail (7-15%)
- You can wait in jail for your court date.
Simply Bail is the fastest, most hassle-free way to get someone out of jail. With our services, your friend or family member will select a licensed bail bond agent, connect with them, and can get you out of jail without ever leaving home!
Additional Costs Beyond Bail for DUI
The costs involved in being arrested for driving under the influence go well beyond the DUI bail amount. These DUI-related costs include:
- Towing your car: $50-$200. Towing and impound costs increase daily.
- Insurance rate increase: Your driving insurance may double, triple, or even quadruple due to a DUI. This adds up to $1,000-$10,000.
- Legal fees: $2,000-$25,000
- Fines: $300-$5,000, not including statutory court costs
- Alcohol evaluation: $95-$300. You may be required to complete drug and alcohol evaluation and treatment
- Risk Reduction Classes: $450-$1,000. Also known as “DUI school,” you will be required to complete a Risk Reduction class and a Victim Impact Panel.
- License reinstatement fees: $210-$410. For a first-time DUI, it typically costs $210 to reinstate your driver’s license. But the fees rise for subsequent offenses.
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): $500-$1,000. Many states now require the installation of an IID, even for first-time DUIs. The IID prevents the car from moving until you blow into it, proving you are not intoxicated.
- Drug and alcohol screening: $100-$350. The court may mandate that you have a random drug screening.
- Community service supervision: $100+. In some cases, when community service is required, there may be a fee for supervision of your service.
- Alternate transportation: $100-$1,000. If you need to make other transportation arrangements while your license is suspended, the costs vary widely but add up quickly.
Arrested for a DUI? Next Steps
If you have been arrested for a DUI, you can take steps to speed up the bail process. Find a friend or family member who will act on your behalf to get the DUI bail amount paid or hire a bail bond agent. They can register with Simply Bail and start the process of getting you released from jail. Learn how Simply Bail works to guide them through the bail bond system until you are free again.
Simply Bail makes getting you out of jail fast and secure. Why wait?
