Driving under the influence (DUI) convictions can get costly with court fees, fines, and mandatory interlock installations. These are a few of the typical expenses when facing a DUI charge. However, in South Dakota, a DUI can dig much deeper into your pockets than you might have expected.
After you’ve posted bail and paid to get your car out of impound, you can still expect the consequences to have a financial impact in areas you didn’t anticipate.
A DUI could cost your job
Suppose you’ve been arrested because of a traffic stop that led to a DUI charge. You’ll lose wages resulting from time spent in jail. You could also be terminated as a result of the charge. If you’re a commercial driver, your commercial driver’s license (CDL) is revoked for one year as a first-time offense in the state of South Dakota.
Increased insurance requirements
After the conviction of a DUI, which resulted in the revocation or suspension of your driver’s license, South Dakota requires an SR-22 certification. This certification is filed by an insurance company and indicates a high risk. Not only is it harder to find insurance companies that take high-risk drivers, but the premiums will likely be significantly higher.
Counseling costs
In some cases, a South Dakota DUI conviction can result in mandated substance abuse education or treatment programs. This type of counseling is aimed at helping prevent dependency and recurring behavior while driving.
A DUI can have long-lasting and financially devastating consequences. If facing charges, you need to find out more about DUI defense options.