How much does a DUI cost?

What is the Cost of a DUI in San Diego?

Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most common criminal charges in California and one of the most expensive. If you’re arrested for a DUI in San Diego, the court fine is only the start. Once you add towing and impound, mandatory classes, DMV fees, an ignition interlock device, insurance hikes, and lost time at work, the total can climb quickly.

To keep this easy to follow, this article breaks costs into three buckets:

• Upfront costs — immediate expenses right after arrest.
• Payment-based/ongoing costs — monthly or periodic charges like classes or devices.
• Long-term associated costs — the bigger, hidden expenses over months and years.

Upfront Costs After a San Diego DUI Arrest:

Towing and Vehicle Impound

After a DUI arrest, your car is usually towed and stored until release.

• Towing: $150–$300
• Storage: $50–$75 per day

Typical total: $250–$600+ to recover your car.

Bail or Bond

Many first-offense DUI cases involve posting bail to leave county jail before the first court date.

• Average bail for a first DUI: $2,500–$5,000
• Bail bond fee: ~10% (non-refundable), or $250–$500

Court Fines and Penalty Assessments

San Diego first-offense DUI penalties start with a base fine and add county and state assessments.

• Base fine: $390–$1,000
• After assessments: often $1,800–$3,000 total

DMV Fees and Hearing

DMV action is separate from court. You only have 10 days to request a hearing to challenge the automatic suspension.

• DMV license reissue fee: about $125

San Diego DUI Attorney Retainer

Hiring a skilled DUI attorney in San Diego is one of the most important choices you’ll make.

• Standard DUI representation: $2,500–$5,000
• Specialized criminal defense: $7,500–$15,000+

A quality DUI attorney can often reduce fines, shorten classes, protect your license, and sometimes defeat the charge entirely savings that often exceed the fee.

Payment-Based & Ongoing Costs:

DUI Education Programs

California requires alcohol education as a condition of probation and license reinstatement.

• 3‑Month AB541: $500–$900
• 6‑Month AB762: $800–$1,500
• 9‑Month AB1353: $1,200–$2,000

Ignition Interlock Device (IID)

Many San Diego DUI cases require an IID so you can continue driving.

• Installation: $75–$150
• Monthly monitoring: $60–$100
• Calibration/maintenance: $25–$50 periodically

Typical one‑year total: $600–$1,200.

Probation & Supervision

Some cases include costs tied to probation or compliance checks.

• Estimated monthly: $50–$100

License Reinstatement Requirements

After completing court and DMV obligations, you’ll pay reinstatement fees and file SR‑22 proof of insurance.

• DMV reinstatement: about $125

Long-Term & Hidden DUI Costs:

Insurance Increases (SR‑22)

Expect higher premiums for at least three years after a DUI.

• Annual increase: $1,000–$2,500
• Three‑year total: $3,000–$7,500

Employment & Income Impact

Certain jobs, professional licenses, and security‑sensitive positions are harder to get with a DUI on your record.

• Lost income over time: $5,000–$15,000+ (highly variable)

Transportation Costs During Suspension

Rideshare, taxis, and public transit can add up while you wait for reinstatement or IID.

• Monthly: $300–$500

Other Personal Costs

Counseling, time away from work or family, and general stress are difficult to price yet very real. Many defendants budget additional funds for these needs.

How much does a DUI cost? – Estimated Costs:

Estimated total range: $14,825 – $48,200, depending on the circumstances.

Why Costs of a DUI Can Vary So Much:

Costs change based on case facts and the court’s orders. Aggravating factors like a high BAC, an accident, injuries, misdemeanor vs felony DUI, a prior DUI, or refusing testing can raise fines, extend classes, and add jail time or IID months. Case strategy and local court practices also affect outcomes and total spend.

Why an experienced DUI Defense Attorney in San Diego Matters:

It’s common to think pleading guilty is the fastest and cheapest route. In practice, that choice can be the most expensive. An experienced DUI attorney in San Diego can challenge the stop, testing methods, and lab procedures; negotiate reduced charges; and protect your license at the DMV hearing. This is especially true if you are facing felony DUI charges.

• Challenge legality: Was there probable cause? Were field sobriety and chemical tests administered correctly?
• Negotiate outcomes: Reduced charges such as “wet reckless,” alternative sentencing, or dismissal where appropriate.
• Limit penalties: Shorter programs, reduced fines, or avoiding enhancements.
• Protect your license: Timely DMV hearing and advocacy can preserve driving privileges.

Preventing a DUI Is Always Cheaper:

• Use a rideshare or taxi if you’ve been drinking.
• Set a designated driver before you go out.
• Know California’s BAC laws and zero‑tolerance rules for under‑21 drivers.
• Be mindful of medications that impair driving.

Important Disclaimer:

When asking, how much does a dui cost?, it is important to consider that every case is unique. The costs above are estimates intended to provide a ballpark understanding of the costs associated with a DUI not a quote for your particular situation. Final costs depend on your facts, the charges, court orders, DMV actions, damages, previous DUI offenses and your criminal defense strategy.

If you’re facing a DUI charge speak with Marc Kohnen, a criminal defense attorney in San Diego  to get advice tailored to your case.

Call Now for DUI Help: (619) 398-2500

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice.