All DUI cases have at least one thing in common—they all result in the loss of driving privileges. Oftentimes, however, the offender is able to apply for a restricted driver’s license that will allow him or her to drive to certain places—such as a place of employment—during certain times of the day. As a condition of the restricted driver’s license, a judge may order an ignition interlock device to be installed in the offender’s vehicle.
An ignition interlock device essentially acts as a breathalyzer that is installed in your vehicle and wired to the car’s ignition system. In order to start the vehicle, the driver must blow into the device, which will detect the presence of alcohol if the driver has been drinking. The ignition will only turn over if the driver’s breath sample is alcohol-free. The ignition interlock device is set up to alert authorities if a driver attempts to unlock it after they’ve been drinking.
Most ignition interlock devices are also equipped with voice recognition software, making it extremely difficult for a person other than the driver to unlock.
A judge may order an ignition interlock device to be used in conjunction with a SCRAM bracelet, short for Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring. The SCRAM bracelet is usually worn around the ankle, much like a monitoring device worn by people on house arrest. The SCRAM bracelet detects the presence of alcohol in the blood stream by monitoring perspiration.
It is also important to note that if a judge orders you to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle, YOU will bear the cost of the device’s installation and maintenance. This will be in addition to any fines, court fees and other costs associated with your DUI case.
If you have been charged with DUI in the state of Tennessee, call the Garza Law Firm right away to discuss the details of your case. Attorney Marcos Garza, who deals exclusively in DUI law, can devise a defense strategy that is specific to your situation.
Call (888) 680-7554 to schedule a free consultation today.