If you were arrested for DUI during the 4th of July you probably have a lot of questions about what to expect in terms of fines, consequences and insurance rates.

People who are arrested for this offense  have not only put themselves at risk of physical harm, they have jeopardized the safety of every other driver on the road.  Statistics show that every 39 minutes, a drunk driver kills an unsuspecting sober motorist.

That having been said, the penalties for DUI shouldn't surprise you.

1.  Many counties will release first-time offenders on their own recognizance. The cost of DUI bail bonds in California will be 10%.   If it is a repeat offense, the driver will need to hire a bondsman to help.

2.  Those arrested for DUI will need to have the case decided in court.   The first appearance typically takes place within the first two weeks after your arrest.  First offenses will likely be charged with a misdemeanor.  Drivers who have two or more convictions will be charged with a felony.

3.  DUI sentencing guidelines vary widely from state to state.  The penalties will depend on whether the incident involved an accident, whether someone was injured or killed, and how many times the defendant has been arrested for this offense, etc.

  4.  Those who are convicted of DUI may need to have an ignition interlock on their vehicle.  This is an electronic device that the driver will need to breathe into in order to activate the car's ignition.  If the sensor detects alcohol the vehicle will not start.   Ignition interlocks cost $200 to instal and up to $80/month to maintain.

5.  Auto insurance premiums go up by as much as 30%.   Court costs and fees are also incurred.   A first-time offender can expect a DUI to cost about $15,000.

6.  Drunk drivers cost everyone money.  Every crash that involves an intoxicated driver drives up insurance rates.  In the US, the public picks up more than $114 billion each year in associated costs and fees.  Approximately $62 billion is paid out to compensate families who lost a loved one.  An additional $51 billion is paid out to reimburse other related monetary costs.

   7.  Finally, the convicted can expect to have their license suspended for a period of time.  They may also be required to attend alcohol awareness classes.   Registration fees for these classes start at about $250.

The bottom line is that a DUI conviction simply is not worth the risk or expense.

If you are heading out for the night and plan on having a few cocktails, plan ahead, call a cab or designate a sober driver.

Serenity Group DUI infographic