One of the requirements of a DUI sentencing is filing a SR-22 form with an insurance agency. This is basically a statement of financial responsibility of the driver. This is meant to ensure that if you are a dangerous driver, as having a DUI would suggest, that you are financial responsible for what harm or damage you may cause while driving. It is basically a special kind of liability insurance for higher risk drivers. Call your local DMV for information on insurance companies that handle these filings, because not all will. Your current insurance agency might refuse to insure you as a SR-22 driver but there are insurance companies that specialize in this type of driver, although their rights may be higher. There will be a fee for filing the form and your insurance rates may rise significantly to reflect your status as an SR-22 driver. Once you file and pay the fee to the agency, they will send the SR-22 form to the DMV. If accepted, you will receive a copy of the form from the DMV. You must maintain your status as an SR-22 driver for three years. Along with all the other costs of a DUI, this one can affect your insurance rates for years to come. The alternative to obtaining SR-22 insurance is putting down a $35,000 cash bond with the DMV to serve as your financial responsibility in the case of an accident. Although this is prohibitively expensive for most people, it is an option if you don't want to be an SR-22 insured driver. In any case, this is an important part of your DUI sentencing and can have severe consequences if you don't follow it.

Have you been charged with a DUI and need to file an SR-22 form? Contact Visalia area attorney Christopher Martens and his legal team. Experienced in DUI and drug related defense in Fresno, Tulare and Kings counties, our team will compassionately listen to your story and make sure you receive the best defense in your case. Call our office at 559-967-7386 or email us at [email protected] for a free consultation.