How much does a DUI cost? A lot.

Attorneys familiar with DUI cases say that when all costs are considered, those charged with driving under the influence may be $7,000 in the hole.

Court costs alone total $1,520. That amount gets divided up, with some going to the state for alcohol and drug abuse prevention, reimbursement funds for victims of crime and other court programs. Some go to the city and county where the incident took place, with some of that to pay the cost of laboratory efforts to test the blood or urine of those drivers who submit to the tests.

Then there's the cost of retaining an attorney, which can set back those charged with DUIs $1,500 or more. Many private defense attorneys charge a flat fee of $1,500 or $2,000 to handle a typical DUI matter, though costs may increase if a case actually goes to trial.

Increased insurance premiums, car tow and storage fees, drunk driving programs, missed worked days and jail time can add thousands more to the costs of being convicted of DUI.

The hassle of dealing with the Department of Motor Vehicles can turn a DUI experience into an even worse nightmare. Once a motorist is convicted of a DUI, the DMV can suspend a license for four months on a first offense, and for a year for subsequent DUIs.

That suspension can be appealed at hearing in front of the DMV -- an appointment that must be made 10 days after a temporary, 30-day driving permit is issued to the motorist.

All in all, a significant price to pay.