If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Military Crisis Line at 988 and press 1, or Text 838255. You can also call 911.
Have you ever spent way more money at the bar than you wanted to? 50 bucks… maybe even 100 bucks on drinks for you and your buddies? Now imagine if the bartender handed you a bill for $10,000. That’s the average cost of a DUI.
| Bail: | $1,300.00 |
| Towing your car: | $300.00 |
| Court imposed fines: | $1,400.00 |
| Attorney fee: | $3,825.00 |
| Court costs: | $800.00 |
| DUI class: | $650.00 |
| Restitution fund: | $500.00 |
| License reinstatement: | $125.00 |
| Ignition interlock device: | $500.00 |
In just the first six months that’s about: |
$10,000.00 |
Not to mention your yearly annual insurance rates will increase A LOT after receiving a DUI. Depending on your state, these rates vary. Look at these four examples and see how getting a DUI could make your annual insurance rate go up:
| State | Average Rate | Rate with a DUI | Dollar Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $2,065.00 | $5,163.00 | $3,098.00 |
| North Carolina | $1,325.00 | $5,700.00 | $4,375.00 |
| Texas | $1,823.00 | $2,619.00 | $796.00 |
| Virginia | $1,304.00 | $2,705.00 | $1,401.00 |
| National | $1,674.00 | $3,336.00 | $1,662.00 |
Then there’s the risk to your career. As a Service member, there can be punishments under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and Service policies that could be inked permanently on your military service record. Think about these potential job risks before you make a decision you’ll regret:
With ride-share apps in all the major cities and taxis or designated drivers in remote areas – there’s no reason to drink and drive. Make sure both you and your buddies have a plan to get home safely before you start drinking. Protect your wallet, your career and your future by staying safe if you choose to drink.
