If you’re a driver in North Carolina, a single DWI conviction can cost you much more than just a fine. In fact, a single conviction can cost a driver thousands of dollars in increased insurance costs, court and attorney fees, time away from work, loss of driver’s license, and more. If you’re facing charges for DWI, it’s essential to understand what a DWI can cost you – both financially and emotionally. However, you may avoid some or all of these costs with the best legal defenses. Let’s look at the actual cost of a DWI conviction in North Carolina,
Insurance Premiums & DWI Conviction
Your driving record impacts your insurance premium. The North Carolina Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP) charges points for convictions and at-fault accidents occurring during the three years before you apply for or renew your car insurance. (1)
For example, illegal passing or driving on the wrong side of the road can earn you 2 points each. With 2 points on your driving record, your insurance goes up 45%. The more points you earn, the higher your insurance premiums!
Convictions Bringing 12 points each:
- Driving with a blood-alcohol level of .08 or more.
- Driving a commercial vehicle with a blood-alcohol level of .04 or more.
- Driving while impaired. (A conviction for any substance that affects your driving)
With each of these 12-point offenses, your insurance premiums increase by 340%!
For example, let’s say you now pay $1,750 per year for car insurance. After conviction for one of the above offenses, you will spend at least $5,950 annually!! And that is only if you can find an insurance company willing to insure you after you lose your driver’s license for at least one year!
Other Financial Costs of DWI
Insurance points are not the only high cost involved in a DWI conviction. You will likely need to pay many other costs associated with a DWI charge.
However, aggravating factors can make penalties even worse for DWI. If you have 3 or more aggravating factors with your DWI, you will pay MUCH MORE!
Aggravating Factors include:
- Prior convictions within 7 years
- A child in the car under 18
- Seriously injuring someone
- Driving on a suspended driver’s license
Penalties for Aggravated Level 1 DWI:
- Fines: up to $10,000
- Jail time: 12 to 36 months
- Probation: monitored sobriety for four months after release.
- Community service: depends on the judge and what they order.
- Driver’s license suspension or revocation: for a year or more.
- Seizure of your vehicle: given to the state to sell for profit.
- Educational or counseling interventions: you pay for these programs if the state determines you need them.
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle when you may legally drive again.
- Other alcohol monitoring devices.
A Single DWI Conviction Can Cost a Driver Up To $258,850 Over 5 Years
You or your family must absorb the penalties and fines you face!! This is no small chunk of change!
If you have DWI charges, it’s essential to understand what those charges can actually cost you. However, with the best legal defenses, you may be able to avoid some or all of these costs.
Possible Financial Costs Over 5 Years
| $200,000 | Loss of income while in jail for 3 years |
| $8,400 | Extra Insurance Costs if you drive for 2 years after you serve time |
| $10,000 | Fines |
| $20,000 | Inpatient Rehab Program |
| $20,000 | Loss of vehicle to the state |
| $258,850 | Possible TOTAL FINANCIAL COST OF DWI Conviction in NC at the 5-Year Mark |
When a single dwi conviction can cost a driver up to $258,850 over 5 years’ time, hiring an attorney to fight for your rights looks like a wise move! An experienced DWI attorney may be able to negotiate a reduction in your charges or even a dismissal of your case!
Emotional Cost of a DWI Conviction
It’s not just financial loss causing the struggle. The emotional cost of a DWI can be just as high. A DWI charge in North Carolina is a serious allegation with potentially life-changing consequences. If you or a loved one faces DWI charges, it’s essential to understand what a DWI can cost you financially and emotionally.
A DWI conviction can result in a loss of freedom and driving privileges, leading to a sense of isolation. You may also feel the strain on personal and professional relationships. It’s also possible to lose your job or be unable to get a new job.
In addition, DWI convictions can cause lasting effects on your mental health. You may suffer from anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to a DWI conviction. Your substance abuse may also increase due to the stress of it all!
Find Help
If you or a loved one is facing DWI charges in North Carolina, seeking experienced legal help is crucial. At The Law Offices of Cape Fear Law, we understand the actual cost of a DWI, and we fight to help you avoid the penalties that come with a conviction!
With the proper defense, you have a chance of avoiding a conviction!! Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can help!