An ignition interlock device is a machine that is installed in a car and is attached to the ignition of the car. It is designed to make a person submit a sample of their breath into a device that is installed in a car (slaved) in the ignition to determine whether or not there is a presence of any alcohol on that person’s breath or in that person’s blood before they are allowed to start the car. If an individual wants to learn more about ignition interlock devices following a West Palm Beach DUI, they should consult a qualified DUI attorney that could answer their questions.
Purpose of Ignition Interlock Devices
The purpose of ignition interlock devices following a West Palm Beach DUI is to prevent a person from driving while drinking. In addition to having to blow into the instrument before starting the car, the individual also has to blow into the instrument every 15 to 20 minutes while operating the car to make sure that they are not consuming alcohol while they are driving. An ignition interlock device is a tool that is used to lock a person out of a car, to prevent the car from being used or operated, to prevent the car from being started if there is a detection of any alcohol on a person’s breath while they are operating the vehicle.
Why Would Someone Need to Get an IID Installed?
There are several instances in West Palm Beach under which a person would need to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle. If this is a first DUI offense with a 0.15 blood alcohol level or above, it is going to be mandatory that they have the ignition interlock device installed on their car. If this is a second-offense DUI, regardless of what the blood alcohol level was or a refusal, it is going to be mandatory that they have the blood alcohol device in their car.
In West Palm Beach, there is a DUI diversion program that requires individuals to have the interlock device in the car. Those are the three circumstances: a first offense with a blood alcohol level of 0.15 or above, a second or subsequent DUI regardless of what the blood alcohol level was or if a person is entering into a DUI diversion program.
Duration of Ignition Interlock Device Use
Ignition interlock devices following a West Palm Beach DUI must be installed for six months if it is a first offense. If it is a 0.15 or above and it is a second offense, it is for one year. Of course, it can be longer depending upon court order. We have seen it on for as long as two years. If it is a negotiated resolution into a diversion program, if someone’s on the first level where it is the first offense and they have taken a breath test and they are above a 0.08 or below a 0.15, then the state’s going to require that person to have that in there or the prosecutor’s going to require that person to have it in there for three months. If it is a first offense and the person blew over a 0.15, then it is going to have to be in there for six months. There are different time periods and they are all subject to negotiation except for the DUIs. It is mandatory for the first one for six months. If someone is over 0.15, then it is mandatory for one year if it is the second offense.
Cost of Installing an Ignition Interlock Device
The cost of an ignition interlock device varies. It is typically anywhere from $100 to $150 installed and then there is monthly maintenance where, monthly, the device is actually monitored to see if it is kicked the person out for alcohol because it is detected positive breath alcohol. That typically runs anywhere from $50 to $75. These tend to vary from vendor to vendor. Experienced DUI attorneys often provide their potential clients with a list of vendors and the individuals pick the vendors that are closest to them and can give them the best appointments to the ones they feel that would give them the best service.
Drawbacks of IID
One of the West Palm Beach DUI ignition interlock device considerations to keep in mind is that the device is very intrusive. The device is also expensive and time-consuming to get it installed and monitored every month. People also always run the risk that someone may meddle with the device while their back is turned, and blow into it because they have their alcohol on their breath and they want to see if it works, which can have terrible consequences. That specific scenario would expose the person to possible penalties if they tested positive for alcohol and it exposes the car.
Contesting the Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device
In order to contest West Palm Beach DUI ignition interlock device installation, an individual must fight their case. If the ignition interlock is required by statute or required by policy and if it is not required by policy like on a diversion program and it is not required by law, it does not have to be installed. The only way to really fight the ignition interlock installation would be if someone fits into the criteria where it would be required would be to beat the case. If charges are mitigated, then the person may not have to install the device.
A skilled DUI attorney could answer any additional questions people may have about the ignition interlock device. Call today.
