In Las Vegas, a DUI conviction has harsh penalties that follow. On top of the steep fines, community service hours, alcohol classes, and possible jail time, a judge may require an ignition interlock on a vehicle. An ignition interlock device is expensive to upkeep and can cause other daily hassles; if you face the possibly of having this device, talk with a Las Vegas ignition interlock attorney about your options.
What Is An Ignition Interlock?
An ignition interlock device, or IID, is a type of breath testing device that connects with the starting mechanism of a vehicle and does not allow the vehicle to start unless a clean breath sample is administered. The device may be set to allow vehicle operation as long as a driver has a blood alcohol concentration that is less than .02% (or another predetermined level).
To start the vehicle, the driver must submit a passing breath sample. At random intervals while the vehicle is in use, the device will require additional breath samples. This is to prevent a driver from having another person submit a clean sample only to drive off and continue operating the vehicle with an unlawful blood alcohol level.
If the driver fails to provide a breath sample or provides a breath sample that fails, the ignition interlock device will make a record of this and will sound the car’s horn/flash the car’s lights until the driver pulls over and turns off the vehicle.
Learn more by reading “Ignition Interlock Devices: An Overview”.
Fight Your DUI Penalties
There are different circumstances where a driver may be required to install an ignition interlock device in his or her vehicle. Though this is commonly reserved for multiple offenders or those with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.18% or greater, other drivers may be required to install an ignition interlock device. An ignition interlock device may be required for a driver convicted of DUI with a blood alcohol concentration of less than 0.18%, installed in his or her vehicle for 3 to 6 months.
A driver convicted with a blood alcohol concentration of .18% or greater may be required to install the device for 12 to 36 months. It is best to work with a knowledgeable Las Vegas criminal lawyer to help you challenge your charges and avoid a conviction altogether, eliminating the possibility that you will face this serious penalty.
Contact a Las Vegas ignition interlock attorney from De Castroverde Law Group at 702-222-9999 today to discuss your case and how we can help you fight to avoid installation of an ignition interlock device.