A person arrested and convicted of driving under the influence faces a multitude of consequences, and those consequences can dictate whether the driver repeats the offense many more times or abstains from further drinking altogether. Thousands of people across the state of Pennsylvania are convicted of DUI each year. Where they go from there all depends on their conscience, habits, and the legal and financial price they pay for the crime.

One of the biggest deterrents to repeat offenses is the cost of a DUI. First-time offenders tend to spend about $5,000 in court costs and attorney fees. A second offense can cost double that amount. That doesn't take into account increased fees for car and health insurance, driver's license reinstatement and lost wages if you're fired as a result of your conviction. For some drivers, including already cash-strapped college students, these costs can be enough to never drink and drive again.

There's also the price of guilt, at least for some offenders. The director of law enforcement services for the Pennsylvania DUI Association says there are three types of offenders in the state: One-third are so shaken by the incident that they vow never to let it happen again. Another third are generally motivated by the actions of the court, he says, and might not seek counseling if they weren't ordered to do so. Yet another third are hard-core offenders who simply don't care. The director says all three types of offenders need community and legal help.

One form of that help currently available is the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program, which allows offenders to avoid jail time and a criminal record in exchange for mandatory drug and alcohol counseling, community service and attendance of victim impact panels. ARD has prevented many offenders from repeating their crime. Many others will drink and drive again, though. Those offenders may be sent to DUI treatment court, which tries to address the underlying issues and prevent the costs from piling up further -- both for the driver and his victims.

Source: York Daily Record, "Fallout after a DUI can be costly in many ways," Emily Opilo and Rebecca LeFever, Jan. 14, 2012