If you’re charged with driving under the influence (DUI), you will face a wide range of penalties and punishments. In addition to jail time, license revocation, and mandatory attendance of drunk driving programs and/or treatments, fines will also be assessed against you.
Being convicted of a DUI can harm your reputation, deprive you of your freedom, and impact you financially. That’s why residents of Albuquerque are urged to secure experienced legal assistance if charged with DUI, which is precisely what Simon A. Kubiak, Attorneys at Law, PC provides our clients.
Fines Vary Based on the Number of Previous Offenses
While all instances of DUI are taken seriously in New Mexico, fines increase the more previous offenses you have on record. For example:
- You may be fined up to $500 for a first offense
- Second offenses entail a mandatory fine of $500, but total fines can range up to $1,000
- Third offenses are punishable by a $750 mandatory fine, but you can be fined up to $1,000 depending on the circumstances
- When it comes to fourth or subsequent offenses, you can be fined as much as $5,000.
Additional Financial Difficulties Can Also Occur
License revocation often accompanies a DUI conviction. If your license is revoked for six months or more, you’ll face difficulty commuting to and from work. Not only will this hamper your current employment outlook, it can also prevent you from obtaining gainful employment in the future.
You’ll also be responsible for other costs. If your case goes to trial, you must pay court costs and other fees. If you’re obligated to attend substance abuse treatment, you must pay any associated costs out of your own pocket. And if you’re ordered to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle, you’ll be responsible for the installation costs, as well as any necessary maintenance.
How a DUI Attorney Can Help Your Case
A DUI conviction will complicate your life in many ways, but our skilled drunk driving attorneys work hard on your behalf. We’ll work to have charges against you reduced or dropped, which limits your financial responsibilities after your arrest and conviction. If there are any issues with your arrest or conduct by law enforcement, we’ll make sure they’re highlighted in court.
