Los Angeles County Experimenting with Ignition Interlock Device for California DUI Conviction

Everyone seems to understand that being arrested and ultimately convicted of California DUI involves serious penalties that include fines, the potential for jail time and the loss of driving privileges. However, there are other jurisdictions in the country that require additional penalties for a first-time DUI conviction, including the order for the use of an ignition interlock device. For almost six months now, Los Angeles County has been one of the four counties in the state engaging in this pilot program, and it should serve as a warning for anyone who faces this charge to contact an experienced Los Angeles DUI defense attorney as soon as possible.

An ignition interlock device is a mechanism that’s installed in the vehicle of a person who has been convicted of a California DUI for the first time. This device requires the driver to blow into a tube that measures the blood alcohol content, or BAC, of that driver. The driver’s BAC must be below 0.03 in order for the vehicle to start. In addition, there are rolling test requirements where the driver must continue to blow into the tube from anywhere between every three to thirty minutes while the vehicle is in operation. Any failed test will shut the car down.

In addition to the cumbersome nature of this ignition interlock device, there are also additional costs involved with the installation, maintenance and repair of these machines. The cost for these necessities is paid by the person convicted of California DUI, and these costs can add up quickly, particularly on the heels of the fines and increased insurance costs associated with a California DUI conviction.

Los Angeles DUI Defense Lawyers

Most people should understand that as time moves forward, the penalties for California DUI will only increase. If you or someone you love has been arrested and charged with California DUI, you only have a few days to take the appropriate steps to protect all of your legal rights. Contact the Los Angeles DUI defense lawyers who have been defending the rights of the accused for years. Schedule an initial consultation with the DUI Defense Group today.