A happy hour with clients may cost more than the drinks if you get pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence. After an arrest for allegedly operating a vehicle under the influence, your concern may turn to the possibility of jail time or having your license suspended. However, the consequences of your arrest may extend beyond those potential penalties and hit your pocketbook hardest.
Incidental to your arrest, you may face expenses for the towing and impoundment of your vehicle. If law enforcement stopped you while on the street, they may have had your vehicle towed to an impound lot. Not only may you have to pay for the cost of the tow truck, but you may also have to pay fees associated with the storage of your vehicle on the impound lot, which may cost at least a few hundred dollars.
To get out of jail following an OVI arrest, you may have to post bail. Depending on various factors, including your criminal history, this may cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. Additionally, you may also have to pay several hundred dollars in court costs, whether you plead not guilty, guilty or enter a no-contest plea.
An OVI conviction also comes with expenses. According to Ohio state law, for a first-time OVI offense without aggravating circumstances, the court may order you to pay a fine of between $375 and $1,075. Additionally, as part of your sentencing or probation, you may have to participate in an alcohol treatment program. The cost of this program, for which you are responsible, may range from $300 to $500.
As a part of your OVI arrest or conviction, you may also have your driver’s license suspended. During the suspension period, you must absorb the costs of using public transportation or ride-hailing services. After your suspension ends, you must pay a reinstatement fee of $475 before you may have your driving privileges restored.
