We can attest that there is quite a difference in the cost of alcohol monitors. But ask anyone convicted of an alcohol-related offense and they will tell you how stunned they were at the financial consequences.
The penalties incurred with a first or more with a subsequent DUI.
Many express their displeasure at the cost and inconvenience of dealing with an alcohol monitor. However, hang on to your hat when you find out what you would have to pay if caught again and incur another DUI conviction.
If you get a second DUI with a blood alcohol reading of .15 or greater or have a passenger under 18 years of age, just the fines alone will range from $2,000 to $4,000.
A defense/divorce attorney.
To avoid jail time, many defendants hire a defense attorney.
However, when you also add in court costs, fines, and probation fees along with the cost of an attorney to handle your DUI defense or possibly one to handle your divorce, it will always be cheaper to get an alcohol monitor.
Family court
A DUI often signals that drinking can also affect your relationships with your spouse. According to USA Today, excluding alimony and child support, the average cost of divorce in Florida is $13,500 without children or $20,300 with children.
Medical bills for complications of excessive drinking.
The cost of getting an alcohol monitor is also less than what you might pay for medical bills due to illnesses brought about by excessive drinking. For example, people who misuse alcohol have a greater risk of liver disease, heart disease, depression, stroke, and stomach bleeding.
The difference between the loss of a salary to unemployment benefits.
In Florida, the cost of getting an alcohol monitor is less than what it would take to make up for lost pay and living on unemployment benefits after a DUI conviction. Consider that many jobs require a license.
A subsequent DUI can cause you to incur a felony charge that may not only result in possible jail time but also make it hard to find work because of a criminal record. Furthermore, it will also make your car and work-related insurance premiums go up.
The difference between the loss of salary to pay for prison work.
The cost of an alcohol monitor is far less than pay for work in the prison. Even if sentenced to community service, the rate charged may be way less than your former salary.
To summarize, it is far better to get an alcohol monitor and get the help you need. Learning to drink responsibly or perhaps totally abstinence is far better. Documenting your sobriety, priceless, and that’s just what we do.
