Cost Of A DUI Estimated Close To $6,000 - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

SALISBURY, Md. - You're out ringing in the New Years and step behind the wheel of your car.

Police pull you over and you're over the legal limit. Lawyers say your worries are just beginning. 

"You could have $5000-$6000 plus in the system over the two-year period after you get a DWI," said Dale Watson, Maryland State Attorney-at-Law.

The costs of drinking and driving add up.   

"It's lawyers fee's court, costs fines [and] probation," said Watson. 

Watson says most lawyers in Wicomico County charge a standard fee of $1,000. Add in court costs, that's a $300 fine.  If you have probation, that equates to $80 per month for a case that will typically run 18 to 24 months.      

If you're arrested for a DWI, you will be thrown into a police vehicle and then you car will be towed, which will cost you an additional $250.    

On top of that, officials say don't forget about insurance costs that will come in play.

"Over the course of say 40 to 50 years, you're paying $40,000 to $50,000 more than the average person pays solely on insurance because you have a DUI conviction," said Wicomico Co. Sheriff Mike Lewis.

"All in all, I mean, you're chalking up a lot of money," said Watson.

"The choice is clearer now than its ever been," said Sheriff Lewis. "Just don't drink and drive."

Those are just standard fees for first time DUI offenses in Maryland. Also, you may be told to put an interlock device on your car, which will cost you around $160 to install, plus $70 to monitor per month.

So, police say to know your limit before driving. And Heading into the New Year's holiday... Know your limit.

The legal blood alcohol level throughout Delmarva is 0.08. You may think you're safe with just two drinks, but officials warn that BAC levels vary depending on your body mass and gender.

Wicomico County authorities say that they see as many females as males getting DUIs, with ages ranging from 17-60. Police will have checkpoints throughout the area and urge you to have a designated driver or call a taxi.