For a first offense DUI with no aggravating factors such as an accident or property damage, the true monetary cost to someone who is charged with a DUI has been estimated to be between $10,000 and $20,000. Typical costs include court fines, license reinstatement fees, attorney’s fees, ignition interlock fees and increased insurance premiums. If you lose your job or professional license (pilot, school bus driver, etc) the cost of a DUI can actually be much higher. You may also be denied entrance into Canada and/or other countries.
Our Fees
Valentini Law, P.A. charges a reasonable, flat fee for handling your DUI case. All fees and costs will be discussed with you at your initial free consultation. For your convenience, we accept cash, check and all major credit cards.
Increased Insurance Premiums
According to one personal finance website, nationwide, the average annual insurance rate goes up 62 percent following a DUI/DWI arrest. In Minnesota, the average increase is closer to 30 percent, but still translates into several hundred dollars more per year for the average driver with an otherwise clean record.
Entry Into Canada
If you are convicted of DUI you may be denied entrance into Canada. Customs and Immigration Officers are granted ultimate authority to permit and deny entrance in to Canada and routine screening upon entry into Canada includes the question, “Have you ever been convicted of a crime?”
In Canada, a DUI is a felony and an excludable offense under the Immigration Act. Anyone with a conviction in the United States that is treated as a felony or indictable offense in Canada is excludable from Canada. Other convictions that can make a person inadmissible into Canada include reckless driving, careless driving, misdemeanor drug possession, domestic assault, theft and shoplifting.
A criminal conviction does not automatically bar you from entry into Canada; however, it can make it difficult. Canadian law does not let you enter the country for at least five (5) years from the date of your conviction or completion of your probation (whichever is later). After the five-year waiting period you can apply for “criminal rehabilitation” by submitting an application to be deemed rehabilitated. Please note applications for rehabilitation can take over a year to process.
If there is any possibility that you will one day enter Canada, we recommend securing certified true copies of all court records relating to your conviction and sentence, including proof of fine payment as Canada typically requires them for review. Proof of sentences being completed is crucial.
Further information can be found at Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration webpage