Cost of losing your license can be greater than you know
Driving is a privilege not a right. That’s a message that gets highlighted in very stark ways when someone is accused and convicted in Tennessee of driving under the influence. And as we’ve noted before on this blog, it doesn’t matter if the allegation involves drinking alcohol, using illegal drugs or taking over-the-counter medication.
A conviction for DUI, whether it’s a first offense or one in a string, is something that can cost a defendant the loss of a driver’s license. That has a way of putting a crimp on one’s ability to earn a living. But there are more costs associated with a drunk driving arrest than just that.
For example, if you’re stopped by authorities and taken into custody expect to face the music of a towing charge for your vehicle. You might need to post bail after being booked. Court-ordered restitution for damages suffered by others could be significant. There could be fines and court costs to pick up. And after all that, you face the cost for getting your license reinstated — if and when that becomes possible.
For your convenience, the state allows individuals to do this online, to use a credit card and to set up a payment plan. And why might you need a payment plan? Because the amount you might owe can vary depending on why your license was revoked, suspended or cancelled in the first place.
The fact is that the cost of a DUI arrest and conviction on a first offense can rise into the thousands of dollars. And then there are the indirect costs related to having a criminal record that can hinder you from getting an education, a job and more.
Limiting the impact of a DUI charge requires that you understand your legal options. And to do that you need to consult an experienced Tennessee DUI attorney.