Individuals facing driving while impaired (DWI) charges frequently choose to plead guilty. They assume that a failed breath test or claims made by a police officer put them in an indefensible position. While they may insist that they did not break the law, they may assume that their conviction is all but inevitable.
Other people may believe they have defense strategies that they could develop, but they believe that going to trial is disproportionately costly when compared with a guilty plea. They may look at the fines that the courts impose for DWI convictions and assume that paying the fine is a more cost-effective solution than trying to prove their innocence. People who choose to plead guilty may underestimate the cost of a DWI conviction.
DWIs increase insurance premiums
What individual drivers pay for car insurance largely depends on their driving history. The more citations and crashes a driver has had, the more they typically pay for liability coverage. According to an analysis of insurance premiums, most adults in Minnesota without major driving issues on their record pay an average of $1,319 for liability insurance coverage.
A single DWI conviction can increase policy costs by an average of 57%. Drivers with a DWI on their record pay an average of $2,068 per year for coverage, which is an increase of $749. Repeat offenses can increase insurance rates even more. Drivers can expect to pay higher rates for multiple years after a guilty plea.
Convictions affect earning potential
There are multiple ways in which a DWI conviction or guilty plea could harm an individual’s earning potential. Some employers have strict zero-tolerance policies for any criminal conviction and may terminate those who plead guilty to a DWI or similar offense during their employment.
Other times, a sentence of incarceration can lead to multiple absences that result in job termination or a reduction of future advancement opportunities. Losing a driver’s license can also affect job attendance and therefore earning potential. Criminal records can also have a chilling effect on earning potential and career development.
When looking at the totality of the financial consequences of a DWI conviction, fighting such allegations may prove to be the more affordable option. Reviewing the circumstances surrounding a DWI arrest with a skilled legal team can help people determine whether they are in a position to mount a viable criminal defense against the charges. Those with the option of fighting back may find that doing so is a worthwhile long-term investment.