A DUI arrest in Kansas brings far more than a night in jail—it can cost you thousands of dollars in fines, fees, and increased insurance rates. The financial toll can affect every area of your life, from your ability to drive to your ability to maintain employment. If you’ve been charged with DUI, understanding the full cost is essential—and so is speaking to a defense lawyer who can help you reduce or avoid many of these penalties.
At Bill Cummings LLC, we’ve helped clients throughout Kansas fight DUI charges, protect their driver’s licenses, and avoid the crushing costs of a conviction. Here’s what you need to know.
Criminal Fines and Penalties for DUI in Kansas
In Kansas, DUI penalties escalate based on whether it’s your first, second, or third (or subsequent) offense. Even a first conviction comes with steep fines and mandatory consequences.
First DUI Conviction:
- Fine: $750 to $1,000
- Jail Time: 48 hours to 6 months
- License Suspension: 30-day suspension + 330 days of restricted driving with an ignition interlock device
- Additional Costs: Court fees, probation costs, alcohol treatment program
Second DUI Conviction:
- Fine: $1,250 to $1,750
- Jail Time: 90 days to 1 year (minimum 5 days served)
- License Suspension: 1-year suspension + ignition interlock for up to 2 years
- Additional Costs: Repeat offender evaluation, increased treatment requirements
Third or Subsequent DUI:
- Fine: Up to $2,500
- Jail Time: 90 days to 1 year (mandatory minimums increase with priors)
- License Suspension: Up to 1 year plus mandatory ignition interlock for 2–10 years
- Felony Classification: A third DUI within 10 years is a felony under Kansas law
These are just the statutory penalties. They don’t include the often overwhelming financial costs that come with compliance and long-term consequences.
Hidden and Ongoing Fees That Add Up Quickly
In addition to the fines set by law, DUI defendants in Kansas face a cascade of administrative and compliance costs, including:
- Court Costs: Typically $100–$200, but higher if there’s a trial
- Probation Fees: $25–$100 per month
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): $150 installation + $75/month for monitoring (required for most DUI convictions)
- Alcohol and Drug Evaluations: $150–$200
- Substance Abuse Treatment: Hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on court-ordered requirements
- License Reinstatement Fee: $100–$200
- Diversion Program Fees (if eligible): $800–$1,200
These fees alone can push the total cost of a first-time DUI well over $5,000 even if no accident occurred.
How DUI Affects Your Auto Insurance Rates
Insurance increases are one of the most expensive—and long-lasting—consequences of a DUI in Kansas. Most insurance companies will:
- Cancel your policy or refuse renewal
- Require an SR-22 filing as proof of financial responsibility (adds $25–$50/year)
- Increase your premiums by 50% to 100% or more
According to industry data, Kansas drivers with a DUI pay an average of $1,500 to $2,500 more per year for insurance than they did before the conviction. That adds up to $7,500 to $10,000 over five years—just for insurance alone.
Employment and Long-Term Financial Impact
If you drive for work, hold a professional license, or serve in the military, a DUI conviction can threaten your job. Commercial drivers (CDL holders) risk disqualification and loss of employment. College students and licensed professionals may face disciplinary proceedings or loss of scholarships. That financial hit may last far longer than a license suspension or court supervision period.
The Importance of Early Legal Representation
Many DUI defendants make the mistake of assuming they can’t fight the charge. But the truth is, evidence can be challenged—including the basis for the traffic stop, the accuracy of field sobriety tests, or the reliability of the breath or blood testing equipment.
As a Kansas DUI defense attorney, I work to identify every flaw in the state’s case and push for outcomes that reduce or eliminate the charges altogether. In some cases, we can negotiate diversion or minimize penalties to avoid long-term financial ruin.
Call Bill Cummings LLC For a Free Consultation
A DUI conviction in Kansas can have significant and lasting consequences, but with the right strategies and legal representation, you can mitigate these impacts. Bill Cummings LLC is committed to helping you through every step of the legal process with honest guidance and aggressive defense.
Contact us today at (316) 264-1548 to schedule a free consultation. Protect your future, your finances, and your license with a dedicated advocate on your side.