A night of drinking should be nothing but fun, but driving home afterward is another story. You might not want to spend the price of a taxi, but a drunk driving arrest will cost you around $10,000. In fact, you could take about one thousand two-mile cab rides for the cost of one D.U.I., and you would skip all the inconvenience and embarrassment.

How Bad Could It Be?
Here is what happens during a drunk driving arrest. First, you are handcuffed and driven to the station in a police car. You spend several hours in the “drunk tank” with all the other drunks. The police immediately post news of your arrest and your mug shot to the Internet. The next day, you appear before a judge who decides on your future court date and sets bail. Plan on at least $200-$500. That is just the beginning.

What Does It Cost?
Before your court date, you’ll probably want to hire a lawyer ($4,500). If you are convicted, get ready to enroll in driving class ($250). If you are lucky, you might get a “hardship” license to drive, but it will cost you around $250 and you won’t be allowed to drive too many places.

It Gets Worse
Your car insurance could go as high as $250 per month or more. You could be required to pay for months of mandatory counseling ($80 per session) and attend AA for at least a year. The authorities can call you in at random times for urine and blood tests, which will cost you about $15 a pop. You will also have to pay for court costs ($800+) and a fine of at least $1,000, if convicted. After that, you will have to pay for the privilege of meeting with your parole officer for around $55 per meeting.

What If Someone Is Hurt?
A drunk driving arrest with injury is much worse. It could cost you tens of thousands of dollars and possibly a prison sentence, not to mention the lasting guilt and humiliation.

What Does a Cab Ride Cost Anyway?
Gainesville Maroon Cab charges less than $10 for a two-mile cab ride and just $2 more for each additional passenger. For example, a student at University of Florida could take a cab from local bars to his dorm every single night for two years straight and it wouldn’t come close to the cost of a single D.U.I.

Designate a Driver or Call a Cab
A designated, non-drinking driver is a great idea, but it’s not always practical. Don’t ever try to drive home after drinking. The cost of a taxi ride vs. a D.U.I. is no contest. Call Gainesville Maroon Cab Company and have a safe ride home.