Since July 1, 2010, anyone convicted of a DUI/DWI in Los Angeles Country is required to install an ignition interlock device on their car. The ignition interlock device serves as a mini Breathalyzer to prevent individuals convicted of drunk driving from starting their car unless an alcohol-free breath sample is provided.
Skilled Santa Barbara DUI/DWI Attorneys
If you are facing DUI/DWI charges in Southern California, the most important investment you can make is to consult an experienced DUI/DWI defense attorney. At Hutton & Wilson, our principal attorneys Richard Hutton and Bob Wilson have more than five decades of combined DUI and criminal law experience. Our experience and legal skills have helped us emerge as one of the Los Angeles region's premier DUI defense teams. When the stakes are high, contact our law firm to develop an aggressive defense strategy.
Ignition Interlock Device Installation Required if Convicted of Drunk Driving
Los Angeles County has taken a tough stance against anyone convicted of drunk driving. If you become convicted as a first-time offender or for multiple DUI offenses, you will be required to install an ignition interlock device on your car. We want you to be left with no surprises. During a consultation, our firm's Pasadena ignition interlock device attorneys will outline what you should expect for the level of DUI charges you are facing, such as:
- 1st DUI conviction: Individuals convicted of drunk driving for the first time will be required to install an ignition interlock device on their cars for five months. First-time offenders will not be restricted from where they can drive.
- 2nd DUI conviction: Second-time offenders risk having their license suspended for one year. If this happens, you will need to pay a re-issue fee 90 days after you are convicted to obtain a restricted driver's license. The ignition interlock device will need to be installed on your car before the restricted driver's license is issued. After a year, the ignition interlock device can be removed from your car.
- 3rd DUI conviction: Individuals convicted of a third DUI or felony DUI offense will be required to install the ignition interlock device on their car for two years. Your driver's license would be revoked for three years if you refuse to install the ignition interlock device on your car.
If you are convicted of drunk driving, you will be required to install the ignition interlock device on any vehicles registered under your name. The cost of installing the device is often more than just an inconvenience. Drivers are responsible to cover the installation fee of about $75 and about $50 every month to monitor the device.
Developing an Effective Criminal Defense Strategy in Southern California
The only way to avoid installing an ignition interlock device on your car is to not get convicted of drunk driving. At Hutton & Wilson, our experience in DUI defense has become invaluable to individuals facing harsh DUI penalties. Our firm's Pasadena DUI defense lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation into the criminal allegations against you. We will fight for the sentence to be dismissed based on any procedural errors or violations of your constitutional rights.
If a dismissal is unattainable, we will fight for reduced penalties through seeking to have the criminal charges reduced down to wet reckless. This can be possible if the amount of alcohol in your blood line was borderline illegal at the time of your arrest. If we are able to obtain a wet reckless conviction, you will gain the benefit of not having a DUI/DWI conviction on your record. The penalties will be much less than a DUI conviction, and you will not be required to install an ignition interlock device on your car.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
Contact us today to arrange a consultation about your DUI/DWI charges. We've spent many years working to find solutions to tough cases. We're here to help you get through this difficult time.
