Wednesday, March 16, 2011

What does a DUI cost in Illinois anyways?

Fagan, Fagan & Davis attorneys literally speak to hundreds of people charged with DUI in Illinois every year. Without fail, people ask one question: what is this crazy situation going to cost me?!

Great question. While there's no stock answer, let's take a look at what the Illinois Secretary of State has to say on the subject.

Click on the image and you can get a look at the Secretary of State's math. According to the Jessie White's office, the "average" cost of a DUI conviction in Illinois is over $16,100.

We regularly do quite a bit better than this for our clients, especially when our representation results in dismissal of the charges.

This chart anticipates hiring an attorney "uncontested plea" - meaning walk in and give up, we suppose. But whatever we might think of the Secretary's assumptions and calculations, that's one hefty price-tag!

For an independent take on the structure of anticipated attorney fees for DUI, check out this take on DUIAttorney.com.