First-time DUI in Los Angeles Could Trigger Ignition Interlock Device
Should you be required to take a Breathalyzer test to start your car if you’ve been convicted of DUI? A pilot program being tested in Sacramento, Alameda, Los Angeles and Tulare counties has been requiring first-time DUI offenders to install ignition interlock devices on their vehicles.
The program was expected to end at the beginning of 2016, but it has been extended through July 1, 2017.1
What are Ignition Interlock Devices?
Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) are machines that measure your blood-alcohol content level before you can use a vehicle. If your BAC level is too high, the device will prevent you from starting your car.
Additionally, an IID can ask the driver for random breath tests while he or she is driving. If you fail to provide a sample, it gets recorded and is reported to the court.
Do First-Time DUI Offenders Need IIDs?
Should you be required to install an IID after a fist-time DUI conviction? That is a question this pilot program hopes to answer. The goal of the program, which started in 2010, is to see if installing IIDs on vehicles would effectively deter DUI offenders from repeat offenses.
Under the program, DUI offenders who wish to reinstate their driving privileges are required to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle for a certain period of time.2 The length of time depends on how many prior DUI convictions you have.
First-time offenders are required to install the device for 5 months.
Second DUI convictions require the IID to be installed for 1 year.
A third DUI requires an IID to be installed for 2 years.
Anymore than three DUIs require an IID to be installed for 3 years.
The California legislature is monitoring the effectiveness of this program to see if it justifies a permanent change in California law.
Proponents believe IIDs are extremely effect in reducing repeat DUI offenses. The program also benefits DUI offenders by allowing them to drive themselves to and from work.
However, IIDs cost on average of $70 per month plus installation fees.3 Because the program requires that all family vehicles must be outfitted with IIDs, many people cannot afford to participate. This also punishes other family members who share the vehicle with the person convicted of DUI. Additionally, there is no sure way to prevent the driver from getting someone else to take the breath test to start the vehicle.
California DUI laws are already strict enough to deter repeat offenses. A recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed that only 25% of DUI offenders in California have previously been convicted of DUI.4 Those who are repeat offenders should be treated for potential substance abuse problems rather than punished.
Call the Los Angeles DUI Defense Attorneys at Wallin & Klarich
If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI in Los Angeles, you need to contact an experienced DUI defense attorney immediately. At Wallin & Klarich, our skilled attorneys have been successfully defending clients facing DUI charges for over 40 years. Let us help you now.
With offices located in Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Torrance, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, West Covina and Victorville, there is an experienced Wallin & Klarich criminal defense attorney available to help you no matter where you work or live.
Call us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free phone consultation. We will be there when you call.
1. http://fox40.com/2015/12/28/new-california-laws-to-expect-starting-new-years-day/ href=”#ref1″>↩
2. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB61 href=”#ref2″>↩
3. http://www.madd.org/drunk-driving/ignition-interlocks/interlockfaq.html#D href=”#ref3″>↩
4. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0ahUKEwiJ49u499bKAhXMFj4KHSwtDk8QFggcMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nhtsa.gov%2Fstaticfiles%2Fnti%2Fpdf%2F811991-DWI_Recidivism_in_USA-tsf-rn.pdf&usg=AFQjCNHgoPW8SW1GhWuAuhO-3iL0CEPCdA&sig2=dav8RCmKjZhwR5w61QaPcghref=”#ref4″>↩
