A conviction for a DWAI/DWI offense can be very costly. Court fines, surcharges, and DMV fees can add up quickly.
For a first-time DWAI conviction, you face up to $500 in court fines plus another $255 or $260 in surcharges depending on whether your case in is a Town or Village Court. For a first-time DWI conviction , you face up to $1,000 in fines, with another $395 or $400 in surcharges. A conviction for Aggravated DWI could result in court fines up to $2,500 with $395 or $400 in surcharges. If you are convicted of a felony DWI you may have to pay up to $5,000 in fines plus almost $520 in surcharges.
In addition, there is a mandatory DMV Driver Assessment Penalty—regardless of the type of conviction—of $750. If you are eligible to participate in the Impaired Driving Program, it will cost approximately $300. If you are required to install the ignition interlock device (See below) you will pay nearly $100 to install the device and approximately $100 per month for maintenance, which is typically required for a minimum of one year.
These penalties do not take into account legal fees, lost wages, increased insurance premiums, or additional mandatory alcohol treatment if required.