The fine is just the beginning. Calculate the full financial cost of a DUI — most people are shocked by the true total. All 50 states, first offense and repeat.
An experienced DUI attorney may get charges reduced, penalties minimized, or in some cases dismissed entirely. A good attorney often costs far less than paying the maximum penalties — and protects your license, record, and livelihood. Most offer free consultations.
Find a DUI Attorney Near Me →Most people arrested for a DUI focus on the fine — but the fine is often the smallest part of the total cost. The true financial impact of a DUI spreads across years and touches almost every area of your financial life.
Court fines and assessments vary widely by state but typically range from $500–$3,000 for a first offense, and can exceed $10,000 for repeat offenders or aggravated circumstances. These often don't include mandatory "assessment fees" that can double the base fine.
Attorney fees for a DUI defense attorney typically range from $1,500–$5,000 for a first offense plea, and $5,000–$15,000+ if the case goes to trial. While this seems expensive, an attorney can often dramatically reduce the total cost by negotiating reduced charges or avoiding a conviction entirely.
Insurance is the hidden killer. An SR-22 requirement and DUI on your record typically increases auto insurance premiums by $1,500–$3,000 per year for 3–7 years — adding $4,500–$21,000 to your total cost that most people never properly calculate.
This calculator uses a deterministic financial model based on the three primary legal tiers of DUI severity in the United States. Our logic factors in the following compound variables:
Insurance surcharges are calculated using a 36-month baseline. High BAC (.15+) results in a 1.6x multiplier on top of standard SR-22 premiums.
Lost wages account for 5 (First) to 25 (Third) days of court dates, DUI classes, and community service, based on the user's reported daily wage.