Few things are worse than accruing a significant amount of debt, especially when that debt is so significant that you find yourself unable to pay it off on your own. Fortunately for many people, bankruptcy provides a reliable avenue to have a great deal of their debt wiped out, or discharged. That said, if you recently were convicted of a DUI, you most likely have to pay high fines. For some people, these fines can be virtually insurmountable, especially if this is a second, third, or subsequent DUI. Please continue reading and reach out to a dedicated Orange County consumer bankruptcy lawyer from the Law Offices of Michael D. Pinsky, P.C. to learn more about whether DUI debt can be wiped out via bankruptcy and how our firm can help get you to a better financial situation. Here are some of the questions you may have:
How much can a DUI cost in New York State?
To start, the base fine for a first DUI in New York ranges from $500-$1,000, but this hardly tells the whole story. By the time lawyer’s fees, surcharges, and other costs add up, even a first DUI can cost up to $10,000. That said, the base fine for a second DUI within 10 years in New York ranges from $1,000-$5,000, and a subsequent DUI within 10 years in New York can warrant a base fine of $2,000-$10,000. Rather obviously, this can rack up debt pretty fast.
Can filing for bankruptcy wipe away DUI debt?
Unfortunately, there are certain debts that are considered non-dischargeable, and DUI debt is one of those debts. Therefore, you cannot wipe away fines resulting from a criminal conviction, as well as personal injury payouts, child support, and alimony, among other debts.
What debt can be wiped away with bankruptcy?
Fortunately, there are several types of debt that can be wiped away with bankruptcy, which can help make any debt accrued by a DUI conviction a bit easier to manage. Just some examples of dischargeable debt include credit card debt, medical debt, cell phone debt, personal loans, and more.
If you are overwhelmed with any of these debts, as well as DUI debt, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our seasoned legal team today. We are here to help provide you with a path to a successful financial future.
