DUI or Driving Under the Influence is a serious criminal offense that involves operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.
The term DUI often is interchangeably used with the term DWI which stands for Driving While Intoxicated. A slight nuance between these two terms distinguishes one from the other by the type of substance consumed.
Anybody can be subject to a DUI case and face additional consequences depending on the circumstances. The prosecution must prove that the offender has been driving while intoxicated and had enough alcohol in their blood system to impair their ability to drive safely.
The difference between driving under the influence and drunk driving is that a drunk driver has consumed high levels of alcohol and is unable to operate the vehicle properly, while a person who is “under the influence” might not have consumed an excessive amount of alcohol, but is still over the legal limit in their state. Either way, both are illegal and can result in harsh penalties.
How much is bond for a DUI? The total bail amount is determined by the state in which the DUI occurred and depends on factors such as blood alcohol concentration levels. Below we will discuss circumstances that impact the amount of bail for a DUI offense, the penalties involved, and the associated costs.
Potential Consequences
If you’ve been convicted of a DUI offense, you could face heavy consequences, including registration suspension, fines, license suspension, and even prison time. The penalties levied on you depend on various factors, including the following:
- Whether there were children in the car at the time of the offense.
- If this was your first DUI offense.
- If the blood alcohol levels were significantly higher than the allowed amount in your state.
In some states after a first DUI offense, the courts might require the offender to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. An IID is a breathalyzer for an individual’s vehicle to prevent them from starting their vehicle after consuming alcohol.
How is the Total Bail Amount Determined?
Once the person has been charged with a DUI, they will be taken to the police station, photographed, and a police officer will take their fingerprints. Then, the offender will await arraignment with the judge in the local jail where the total bail amount will be determined in court, on a bail schedule.
The Bail Conditions
The offender must agree to the bail conditions and pay the total bail amount to receive their release from jail. If the offender does not have the ability to pay the total bail amount, they can choose to enlist the help of a local bail bond agent. A bail bond agent will post bond on their behalf in exchange for a nonrefundable fee that is equal to 10% of the total bail amount.
The bail conditions can involve, but are not limited to:
- Risk reduction classes.
- 12-step program.
- Alcohol and drug assessments each month.
How Much is Bond for a DUI?
The bond amounts differ in various DUI arrests because they depend on the total bail amount. A local, reputable bail bond agent will charge you a nonrefundable fee that is equal to 10% of your total bail amount in exchange for posting bond on your behalf. If you have a total bail amount set and you are curious how much you’ll need to pay a local bail bondsman, use our online DUI bail bond calculator today.
Bail for DUI
The total bail amount will depend on the severity of the case, whether manslaughter occurred at the time of the incident, if there were bodily injuries to the victim(s), contributing factors like prior criminal history, etc.
A misdemeanor DUI bail amount can range from $500 to $10,000, while a felony can have a bail amount of $50,000 or higher.
If the offender has been caught driving with a suspended driver’s license, the total bail amount will be at least $1,000.
Costs in Addition to the Total Bail Amount
In addition to legal fees and paying a local bail bond agent, there are additional costs that are associated with DUI charges. Some of the most common costs seen are below:
- An insurance rate increase.
- Towing and impound costs.
- Legal fees and fines.
- Alcohol evaluation and treatment.
- License reinstatement fees.
- Risk reduction classes.
- Alternate transportation while your license is suspended.
- Community service supervision.
- Court costs.
Contact a Bail Bonds Company
If you or a family member has been arrested for driving under the influence, contact a bail bondsman to get released from jail. A bail bond agent will post bond on your behalf in exchange for a nonrefundable fee that is equal to 10% of the full amount.
In addition to hiring a bail bondsman, considering hiring a defense attorney to help you navigate your next steps.