Co$t of a DUI (1st Offense) in Idaho: What sort of Damage you're looking at?

CO$T OF A DUI (1st Offense) in Idaho

by Travis Rice

Credit: Pexels.com

A DUI is short for Driving Under the Influence. If the officer believes you were in actual control of a motor vehicle under the influence (or impaired) of drugs or alcohol above a breath alcohol level of .08 upon a public road or road open to the public then you have committed an offense. 

What does a DUI cost? Well...every attorney will tell you "it depends". And for the most part thats true. However, there are a few things that remain consistent costs. I will try and address them below. 

1. The emotional toll- Every DUI comes with an emotional toll. This toll is not only on the offender but also on the family supporting the offender. DUI's are often embarrassing and shameful events. They can effect a persons work, schooling prospects, and licensing for other things besides driving. It should not be understated.The emotional toll starts ticking as soon as a driver is pulled over and doesnt stop until the final court payment is paid or the charge is dismissed. 

2. Bail- Bail is used to secure a persons presence in court and protect the community. According to the Idaho Bond Schedules at first time DUI is $500 for a resident and $2,000 for a non resident. Thats a serious chunk of change right up front. 

3. Attorney Fees: Getting an Attorney for a first time offense is cheaper than getting one for a second time offense. However, they are not cheap. Attorney's charge anywhere from $500-$2,500 for a first time DUI. These can be charged in single or multiple retainers. By the way...if you choose to go to trial the cost will be much more (because the lawyer has to put in the time to be prepared).

4. Pretrial Release-If it is a drug DUI or if the court orders you to pretrial release, you may have to reimburse the county for the cost of pretrial release. That is to ensure that you are not drinking which could be $60 for every random U/A.   

5. Alchohol evaluation- If you decide to settle the case and not go to trial or if you are found guilty at trial the judge will want an Alcohol evaluation. The evaluation generally costs anywhere from $125-$375. 

   

6. Fine/Court Costs-The court will order a fine and court costs at sentencing. On the fines I normally see $350-$1,000.  

Victim Impact Pannel-In Idaho its required that you complete a Victim Impact Pannel put on by the M.A.D.D. mothers. This generally costs $80. 

7. Probation- $60 a month for the cost of supervision if you are ordered to probation. Plus the cost of U/A's if they ask for it. 

8. Interlock-This is perhaps the greatest cost. The interlock is required for 1 year after your license reinstatement in Idaho. The interlock is required to be calibrated regularly and the maintenance fees are anywhere from $80-$250.

9. Jail or S.I.L.D- Jail is an expense of time. I often have clients that say "I cannot afford to spend 5 days in jail." They are right, many people loose their jobs or loose business for being in jail. S.I.L.D is Sheriff's Inmate Labor Detail and it can be just as costly. If you are ordered to do S.I.L.D. you must pay $30 a day. But hey....it beats jail.

10. Reinstatement-So...you may also have to pay a reinstatement fee with the DMV (sometimes more than once because of the ALS suspension). These costs can add up.  

The bottom line is that it is a money making scheme for the State and its best to just save yourself the emotional toll and financial hit.The best policy is to get an Uber, have a DD, or just not drive.