A drunk driving conviction can hit you with significant penalties. While the possibility of facing jail or even prison time is real, so is the potential to get slammed with fines and irreparable damage to your reputation. Another penalty that many people who are convicted of DUI face is the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device.
What are ignition interlock devices?
In essence, ignition interlock devices are small breath test machines that are installed into a vehicle and are directly tied to the car’s ability to start. In other words, the driver has to provide a breath test that is free of alcohol before the vehicle’s engine will start. The driver is then required to give a number of breath tests at various intervals, such as every five or 15 minutes. If the driver fails the breath test, then the car will shut down and the report will be sent to the court.
When is an ignition interlock device mandatory?
Under California law, there are a number of criminal offenses that, upon conviction, will require the installation of one of these devices. Convictions for DUI causing injury and any subsequent DUI convictions after your first will require an order for an ignition interlock device. The court also has discretion to order the installation of one of these devices if you’ve been convicted of one of a number of other offenses, such as refusing to submit to a breath or blood test and driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher.
Receive guidance on how to handle your DUI case
An ignition interlock device can be costly to install, and it can disrupt your daily life. But, as we mentioned above, it’s just one of the many penalties that you might face when you’re convicted of drunk driving. That’s why it’s imperative that you diligently work to build a criminal defense that protects your interests as fully as possible in light of the facts at hand. Consider reaching out to a skilled attorney if you’d like to learn more about how to build your criminal defense.