Ignition Interlock Devices
Houston DWI Lawyers :: The Law Office of Matthew D. Sharp
When a person is convicted of their driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges, they will often be faced with fines and other DWI penalties to ensure they don’t commit the same crime again and endanger others. The most effective way to ensure a person does not drive while intoxicated is to have an ignition interlock device (IID), also known as a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID), installed in their vehicle. This is most commonly known as an automobile breathalyzer, and it requires the driver to blow into a tube so that their blood alcohol level (BAC) can be checked. This is not only done at the initial start of the vehicle, but at other intervals during the trip. A person who is required to have an ignition interlock device in his car may need a restricted interlock license from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
When is an Auto Breathalyzer Installed?
While a single DWI charge can lead to a vehicle breathalyzer being installed, it is often the result of a person being charged with this same crime multiple times. One instance in which a person is required to have a breathalyzer installed is if they are convicted of intoxication manslaughter charges. In instances such as these, the law says a breathalyzer must be installed, regardless of what sentencing the judge feels is necessary.
Keeping an Ignition Interlock Device Out of Your Vehicle
The most common way a police officer will see if a driver is under the influence of alcohol is to request that they submit to a breathalyzer test. A skilled DWI defense attorney will often work with professionals who can examine the conditions under which the test was administered, including:
- The training of the officer administering the test
- The type of breathalyzer used and its condition
- Other tests that may have been administered at the time of the stop
All of these factors can lead to false positives that make an arrest unwarranted. If one of the aforementioned procedures or pieces of equipment is found to be lacking in some way, a judge will often dismiss the case and let the driver go free.
Request Help From a Houston DWI Attorney With IID Experience
One of the harshest punishments a person with a personal breathalyzer device faces is not sentenced by the court, but by society itself. False readings from these machines can affect both personal and work life, making them an unnecessary burden to those who have done nothing wrong. The attorneys at The Law Office of Matthew D. Sharp work hard to defend their clients’ rights. They are ready to help you with your DWI case. Dial 713-868-6100 to talk to The Law Office of Matthew D. Sharp today.
