- A first DUI offense in Tennessee is estimated to cost about $4,900
- In reality, once you factor in the hidden costs like increased car insurance premiums, a first DUI could end up costing more than $8,000
- An experienced DUI attorney may save you money, especially by reducing collateral costs like job loss or higher auto insurance premiums.
After a DUI in Nashville, hiring an attorney may initially sound expensive. But it’s important to remember that even a first offense in Tennessee can easily total thousands of dollars in expenses. And if you’re convicted, those costs increase.
While most people are aware that they’ll have to pay fines, many overlook such hidden expenses as court fees, bail bonds, and towing. Additionally, a conviction could increase your auto insurance by more than $1,000 a year for the next several years, and you’ll have to pay out of pocket for court-mandated penalties such as ignition interlock device installation and DUI school.
While the state estimates that a first DUI conviction will cost about $5,000, our research shows that after the hidden costs are factored in, a guilty plea can cost $8,000 — or more — for a first offense. And these costs increase if you’re a repeat offender.
How Much Does a First DUI Cost in Tennessee?
Estimates from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security show that a first DUI costs about $4,900.
This includes bail, mandatory fines, and some extra costs including installation of an ignition interlock device (IID).
However, it doesn’t count collateral costs such as job loss or increased auto insurance premiums.
Here are the most common costs after a DUI:
Bail
Bail will be one of your most pressing expenses. If you need to post bail, you’ll either have to pay the full amount in cash or pay a bail bond company. A bail bond company charges a nonrefundable fee of about 10% of your total bond amount. For example, if bail is set at $5,000, you can either post the full amount in cash (you’ll get most of it back when your case has been resolved, minus the court fees that we’ll explain in a bit) or pay $500 in costs to the bail bond company, which will not be refundable.
Financial Impact of Jail Time
Jail time is an indirect cost. While you’re serving your mandatory sentence, you won’t be able to go to work. This leads to lost wages and even job loss. And you’re left with a criminal record for life, which will make it challenging to find a new job. You could end up deeply in debt. Statistics show that about 25% of Tennesseans don’t have enough savings to cover three months of expenses.
While the mandatory jail sentence of 48 hours for a first offense probably won’t cost you your job (unless your job involves commercial driving), a second offense will carry a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 45 days, and a third offense requires 120 days in jail.
Your employer might not be willing to hold your position open for several weeks or months, and if you need to find a new job immediately after release from jail, you may find that your options are significantly limited.
Fines
The fines alone for a first DUI offense range from $350 to $1,500. The penalties increase for each subsequent DUI.
Here’s how much each DUI will potentially cost:
- 1st offense: $350 to $1,500
- 2nd offense: $600 to $3,500
- 3rd offense: $1,100 to $10,000
- 4th offense: $3,000 to $15,000
Towing and Impound Fees
After an arrest, your vehicle will likely be towed and impounded. While these fees will vary by location, they will typically cost between $130 and $230. In Nashville, towing can cost about $155 for a vehicle under 7,000 lbs. Additionally, vehicle storage fees will range from $30 to $55 per day.
SR-22 Insurance
This will potentially be the biggest out-of-pocket expense for a first-time offender. An SR-22 insurance certificate shows that you’re paying for the high-risk car insurance that’s required for anyone with a DUI conviction. It can increase your annual premium by 30% to 90%. According to Bankrate, the average cost for standard car insurance in Tennessee is $1,697 per year for full coverage. Insurance.com reports that your rate could increase to $2,892 after a DUI, increasing your rate by $1,195 per year, and you may be required to maintain SR-22 coverage for several years.
Court Costs
Court costs can range from $100 to $1,500. They vary based on the offense and jurisdiction. Court costs typically increase with each subsequent offense. If you’ve posted bail in cash, these costs will be deducted from your balance before the refund is issued.
DUI School
DUI school is typically required after a conviction, or sometimes as part of a plea deal. Programs range from eight to 20 hours and can cost anywhere from $150 to $300, or more, depending on the length and features of the program.
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs
In addition to DUI school, the court may order completion of drug and alcohol treatment, counseling, or rehabilitation programs, which carry additional costs. The total cost varies based on the location, your insurance coverage, and the type of counseling or treatment required, but is usually several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the program, its intensity, and the duration.
Driver’s License Reinstatement Fees
After a DUI, your driver’s license will almost certainly be revoked. When that revocation ends, you’ll have to pay several fees to get your license reinstated. This may include a:
- $100 reinstatement fee
- $3 certification fee
- $50 financial responsibility fee
- $75 fee for not surrendering your license
You can apply for a restricted license that will allow you to drive to work, school, church, medical appointments, probation meetings, and other essential errands during your license revocation period. That will typically cost an additional $67 and will likely require you to pay for an ignition interlock device.
Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
Installation of an ignition interlock device is often required after a DUI. An IID is a device that prevents your vehicle from starting if the scent of alcohol is detected on your breath. The installation fee is about $150, and the monthly rental and maintenance fees cost between $50 and $100. You may be required to keep the device for several months or even years, depending on the offense.
Job-Related Costs
If you drive for work, a DUI could affect your job, leading to a loss of income. A criminal record can also make it challenging to find a new job.
An Experienced Nashville DUI Attorney Can Actually Save You Money
While an attorney may quote a price that initially sounds expensive, it’s important to consider the long-term costs of a guilty plea or conviction.
Look for an attorney who charges a flat rate for DUI defense, and contact one as soon as possible after your arrest. They may be able to negotiate a bail reduction, which can be a significant savings.
An experienced attorney may also be able to negotiate reduced charges or even get the charges against you dismissed. But you need someone who will carefully review the specifics of your case. Look for someone with excellent reviews and a consistent record of positive outcomes. Don’t be afraid to seek out recommendations. Many offer free consultations. Schedule several appointments until you find someone who makes you feel comfortable and reassured.
More Frequently Asked Questions about DUI in Nashville
More Tennessee Resources
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