In a recent study, the Automobile Club of California has asserted that the long-term costs of a drunk driving conviction could top upwards of 20k by the time the consequences fully run their course.  If you are under 21 than the costs could easily run $23,000 over a ten-year period, according to AAA.

The costs do not take into account loss of work due to Court appearances, lost job opportunities of restitution if an accident is involved.  The club emphasizes that these costs are avoidable, keep track of how much you have had to drink, designate a driver who will remain completely sober and do not put yourself in a situation where you may be forced to drive.

In Torrance, the costs may be significantly higher than the state averages, says Torrance CA DUI Lawyer, Matthew Ruff.  In Los Angeles County, unlike many cities in the state, those convicted of a DUI, versus a lesser offense such as reckless driving, are compelled by the DMV to install an ignition interlock for as long as 1 year for a first offense.  In some South bay Cities, such as Redondo Beach, the prosecutors make it a term of probation and the failure to install the costly devices on every vehicle you own could result in jail time, even for a first offense DUI conviction.

With this in mind, it is important to understand that not every DUI arrest should result in a conviction.  Many drivers arrested for driving while intoxicated may in fact be found innocent in a Court of law but they fail to assert their rights and hire a lawyer to defend the case.  Indeed, most experienced criminal attorneys report that as many as 30 percent of their cases have significant evidentiary issues affecting the reliability of breath and blood tests.  Remember, the statistics that AAA came up with only relate to those who have been convicted of DUI VC23152.  An arrest is simply an accusation and does not have to lead to a court conviction if you get a lawyer involved.  If you cannot afford a private attorney, speak to a public defender.  It is the state of California’s burden to establish that anyone arrested is guilty but you waive that right if you plead no contest at your arraignment.