At Brooks & Crowley, we receive many inquiries from people concerned about the costs of a DUI conviction. The minimum fines, fees and costs of a first offense are as follows:
$500.00 Fine
$574.00 Program Fee
$780.00 Probation Supervision Fee (12 months of probation)
$500.00 License Reinstatement Fee to Registry (following breath test refusal or failure)
$250.00 State Fee
$250.00 Head Injury Fee
$50.00 Victims of Drunk Driving Fee
$50.00 Victim Witness Assessment
$2,954.00 MINIMUM COST OF CONVICTION OR ASSIGNMENT TO ALCOHOL EDUCATION PROGRAM.

Keep in mind that subsequent offenses carry substantial additional penalties in Massachusetts, from substantially higher program fees to mandatory jail or prison sentences. Also, the above figures do not consider the additional automobile insurance premium amounts that follow a conviction or assignment to an alcohol education program, and also do not consider collateral the impact that a conviction may have on your career if you lose your license following a DUI conviction. Further, it does not include the second reinstatement fee ($500.00) following the 45-90 day license loss that the court imposes upon conviction or court-ordered alcohol education program.

In light of this, the question is not whether you can afford a cost of an experienced DUI defense attorney. The question is whether you can afford not to hire one.