First-time DWI conviction has high cost

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Law enforcers are urging everyone to play it safe as the night before Thanksgiving approaches.

The night before Thanksgiving has now passed New Year's Eve as the single biggest drinking day of the year, according to the Erie County Stop DWI program. And extra patrols will be out through the weekend looking for drunk drivers.

Stop DWI Director John Sullivan said, "We're hoping that by telling people in advance that enforcement is going on, that other plans will be made."

According to Attorney Sam Maislin, even a non-injury DWI is extremely costly.

If convicted, you're looking at a minimum surcharge of $750, a $500 civil penalty. New licenses cost between $50 and $100. DWI Traffic Schools cost close to $250. You'll also face a fine of $500 and a mandatory court charge of $400, as well as the possibility of one year in prison.

That doesn't even factor in legal fees, which can run anywhere from $1,000 to $15,000.

All told, a first-time conviction could cost between $10,000 and $20,000.

"When you get behind the wheel of a car and you feel somewhat intoxicated, you feel a little drowsy - don't drive your car. Because the cost of that is not only in money, the cost of that is affecting your family, it's affecting your friends and it's affecting your job," Maislin said.

An injury or damage to a property would be even more costly, not only to yourself, but by those potentially affected.

Sullivan said, "When asked, most people would say the one thing stopping them from drinking and driving would be the chance that they could hurt somebody else. There's certainly a chance of that of you drink and drive. That's why we're always encouraging people to plan ahead."