Before you down that last margarita or glass of beer and then drive home, consider the consequences of a DUI. They are many, and they are painful.
The arrest: You're handcuffed and taken to the Fulton County jail, where DUI suspects typically spend the night in a sparse room populated with other drunk people. There is no privacy, and no entertainment.
The expense: Bond for a DUI usually costs $2,000-$5,000. Getting your car out of an impound yard costs $100 or more. An attorney can cost between $2,000-$10,000. Then there are fines, court costs, and fees for monthly probation visits. Your insurance will soar by 30-100 percent. In all, a DUI adds up to thousands of dollars you didn't budget.
The hassles: Hiring a lawyer; losing your driver's license for a year; not being allowed to leave the state; taking time off work to be at court; monthly probation visits; and weekends lost from hours and hours of mandatory community service.
The ramifications: Many news outlets publicize DUI arrests and convictions. For some businesses or agencies, a DUI means suspension or dismissal. A DUI conviction can limit future job opportunities. Some countries, such as Canada, may deny you admission if you've had a DUI in the last 10 years. And it stays on your record forever.Of course, all this assumes you didn't even have an accident or hurt anyone.So the next time you're thinking about getting behind the wheel after you've had a few, think about the costs - all of them - especially compared to the cost of a taxi.Stay safe,Officer Mark Johnson
Community Services
Source: Johns Creek Police Department
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