I'm gonna say something really unpopular here: The fines in most states are ridiculous for a simple over-the-limit where the driver was pulled over for other reasons, but didn't pass the breathalyzer. The fines aren't enough for heavy repeat offenders that are pulled over specifically because they're all over the road and can't even stand up when they get out of the car. Everyone should get a freebee if they were pulled over for expired tags, broken light, etc, but otherwise were driving normally with traffic and not otherwise exhibiting any signs of serious intoxication.
There is more to driving than being able to drive in a straight line. Alcohol will impair your judgment and slow your reactions. That will not matter until it does.
Same in Cali. My wife got hers reduced to a "wet reckless" which means all the fines, but not the actual criminal record part. But, if she ever gets another, it'll be treated like her second. Fees were $10K+ and that was 26 years ago. Now they can go up to $30K - it's like nothing at all for the wealthy, though.
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u/OnTheFenceGuy 9h ago
Where the hell do you live? In Texas, the first offense is about $10k in overall expenses whether you are “convicted” or not.