Being arrested and then convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) will often mean stiff penalties. What used to be a slap on the wrist is no longer a simple traffic offense. There are several crippling punishments on offer to those who cannot prove themselves innocent of the charges, and many, just naturally, revolve around driving privileges. One increasingly common roadblock some DUI offenders encounter is the installation of an ignition interlock device. Read on to learn more.
Curbing Drunk Driving
Those convicted of DUI are assumed to be addicted to alcohol and in need of constant monitoring to assure that no lives are lost due to their impairment. In the past, the justice system used measures like the loss of driving privileges to help curb DUI issues. Unfortunately, that is often not enough to keep drivers from drinking and driving even after they've been convicted of DUI.
How Ignition Interlock Devices Work
These devices are installed in a defendant's vehicle under a court order as a result of a conviction, be it through a plea bargain or being found guilty in court. They are built on the concept of the portable breathalyzer administered during roadside sobriety tests. In the case of ignition interlock devices, the breathalyzer is wired to the vehicle and must be used prior to the firing of the ignition. If the device detects alcohol on the breath, the vehicle cannot be started. Additionally, the device must be used periodically after the car has started.
The Financial Aspects of an Ignition Interlock Device
As anyone convicted of DUI can attest, the financial ramifications are considerable and prohibitive. For example, you can expect to spend thousands of dollars just to have your driver's license reinstated. Often, the use of an ignition interlock device is alongside a special hardship driver's license that only allows the defendant to go to certain places and only during certain times of the day. The ignition interlock device comes with its own set of costs and they can be very expensive for the defendant:
- You might be charged anywhere from $100 to $200 for the installation of the device in your vehicle.
- Each day you use the device you might be charged anywhere from $50 to $150 for each month it's in use.
- Once you've waited out the time, the device can be removed at a cost of around $75.
Before things get that far, speak to a criminal defense attorney about your DUI case and find out what can be done to have your charges reduced or dropped. For more information, contact an attorney such as Barry W Engle PC today.
