FAST FACTS
- In 2016, there were 297 alcohol-related fatalities on Pennsylvania roads.
- More than 9,000 people involved in crashes were found to be impaired.
- 25% of traffic fatalities were alcohol-related.
When a person is convicted of driving under the influence in Pennsylvania, they face a series of penalties. Jail time, license suspensions, fines and court costs all make a DUI conviction something to be avoided.
The minimum fine for a first time DUI conviction is $300. To put that in perspective, we’ve put together a list of things you could spend that kind of money on that could bring joy to your life.
1. Season Passes
If you live in Pennsylvania, you have access to parks like Kennywood and Hershey. Your neighbor, Ohio, has one of the most popular amusement parks in the midwest: Cedar Point.
For $300, you could buy two premium season passes to Kennywood, a season pass to Hershey Park and a couple tickets for your friends, or two season passes to Cedar Point.
2. Xbox One S
If video gaming is your thing and you don’t necessarily need the biggest and baddest machine, an Xbox One S would suffice.
With a price tag of $299, you could easily spend your money on it instead of a DUI fine. With hundreds of games, the Xbox provides hours of entertainment for young and old alike.
3. A Plane Ticket
Depending on where you want to go and when you plan on traveling, you can easily find a plane ticket for $300 or less.
Whether you want to head to Las Vegas or New York City, a one-way ticket is more than affordable. Just don’t forget that you’ll have to buy a ticket home or find alternate transportation.
4. Amazon Echo Show
If you want to feel like you’re living in the future, the Amazon Echo Show is the way to go. Talk to the device after using the wake word and it can do everything but cook your dinner.
Talk to friends and family who have the device in their home, play games, sing songs, and watch movies. Skills are added frequently, making this a great way to spend your $300.
5. Espresso Machine
Imagine spending $300 in a way that actually saves you money in the long run. If you are addicted to your morning espresso from that popular coffee shop, your own machine can really save you some cash.
A Nespresso machine bundled with a few goodies will run you just under $300 by the time tax is added on. If you’re spending even $3 a day for your strong cup of Joe, the machine will pay for itself in six months or so.
6. A New Friend
If you’re looking to add a little bit of life into your home, you can buy yourself a new pet and its entire set up for $300 or less.
From reptiles to pocket pets, you can buy a little animal and all of the things it needs to live a happy life with you and your family with the money you would otherwise pay for a DUI fine.
7. A Spa Day
Everyone deserves to relax, including you. Depending on the spa you visit, $300 can buy you several hours of services. Think about taking a mud bath and following it with a full-body massage and a facial.
Calming music, essential oils and dim lights will put you into a deep state of relaxation while an experienced person works out all those kinks in your muscles and makes your skin glow.
8. Netflix
Whether or not you already have Netflix, it’s interesting to know that your DUI fine could buy you two years’ worth of the most popular subscription service in America. You can toss that $300 onto your Netflix account and not have to worry about your bill for about 22 more months.
$300 will also get you a couple of years of Amazon Prime or Hulu if those are the things you would prefer. No matter which you were to choose, they are much better ways to spend your money.
9. Air Jordans
Vintage or new, you can find your favorite new pair of sneakers for under $300. Jordans remain as popular today as they did when they first hit the scene. If you are looking for a way to spend your money and look fashionable at the same time, this would be the way to go.
Jordans aren’t your thing? You can buy almost any pair of kicks for the money you would spend on a DUI fine.
10. Coach Bag
You can purchase a new Coach bag for under $300. Satchels and totes wait for their new owners and why shouldn’t it be you?
Whether you are buying the bag for yourself or as a gift for that special someone, you can’t go wrong with a high-end bag.
Talk to a Pennsylvania DUI Lawyer Today
Of course, not all of the things on this list will spark your interest, but isn’t it eye-opening to discover the things you could buy if you didn’t have to pay for a DUI?
If you’ve been charged, you need an experienced Pennsylvania DUI lawyer. Reach out to our office to schedule an appointment for a free case evaluation.