Ignition Interlock Devices in Montgomery County DUI Cases
An ignition interlock is a handheld breath testing device that attaches to an individual’s steering column that requires someone to blow into the device before they operate the vehicle and randomly while they are driving the vehicle. The ignition interlock has a basic element in it that interacts with any kind of acid in the individual’s breath and generates a current. There is a chip in the machine that extrapolates from that current the amount of alcohol that must have been present to generate that much current and gives a reading as to how much alcohol is supposed to be in the individual’s breath. The following is more on ignition interlock devices including, when they are necessary according to Maryland law, how long someone will need to have one, and how much they cost.
To discuss the specifics of your situation and try to avoid having to use an ignition interlock, call and schedule a consultation with a Montgomery County DUI lawyer today.
When Ignition Interlock Devices Are Used
There are two circumstances where individuals will be required to have an ignition interlock device installed in the vehicle if they wish to continue to drive when their license is suspended. Those cases are where an individual’s license was suspended because they refused to cooperate for the breath test or blood test and a case when an individual completed the breath test and the result was .15 or higher.
In both of those circumstances, the individual can expect that if they would like to have any kind of modification to their license suspension that will require installing an ignition interlock device in their vehicle.
How Long Do You Typically Have An Ignition Interlock Device On Your Car?
Typically the period for ignition interlock is one year.
How Expensive Are Ignition Interlock Devices?
Different garages and different providers will offer different rates. Sometimes a garage will offer free installation, other times installation can cost up to a couple hundred dollars.
Other Alcohol Monitoring Devices
99.9% of the time the type of alcohol monitoring device is going to be an ignition interlock. Sometimes the court may order an individual to wear a scram bracelet or, more frequently, courts will order individuals to submit to random breath, blood, or urine tests as a condition of probation.
How An Attorney Can Help
An attorney can challenge the underlying suspension of your driver’s license, so that you wouldn’t have to install the ignition interlock device at all. There are some circumstances when an attorney can reduce the period of time for which the interlock is required by the judge. Many times an attorney can provide information as to which interlock providers are good and which interlock providers are the best.
Do Most Clients Fight Ignition Interlock or Use It To Get a Restricted License?
That is completely on a case-by-case basis. It really depends on the individual’s driving needs, what the other alternatives are, how long their suspension is, and what their financial resources are. There are so many factors involved; there is no such thing as a typical case. It is a case-by-case scenario. That is why it is so important to talk to an attorney who can look through the specifics of your case and your situation and decide whether an interlock makes sense for you.