Throughout your life, you may have felt that you have had terrible luck. You could have ended up in numerous difficult situations and wondered how you found yourself there. Though you may have had the ability to handle those predicaments without considerable consequence, you could feel less confident in such an outcome if you find yourself facing charges for driving while intoxicated.
When you got behind the wheel, you may not have even felt that your abilities were impaired. However, a simple driving mistake could have caused police to become suspicious, and as a result, an officer stopped your vehicle. When the officer took you into custody for DWI, you may have felt shocked and panicked. Now, you may wonder if you could potentially lose your driving privileges. In many cases, an ignition interlock device may help you retain those privileges.
What is an ignition interlock device?
In many DWI cases, when the court convicts a driver of the charge, he or she may not entirely lose the ability to operate a vehicle. However, the sentencing may involve the driver having an ignition interlock device installed in the vehicle. This device works by measuring your blood alcohol concentration level through a breath sample. If the device detects a certain level of alcohol in your system, it prevents your vehicle from operating.
How does an ignition interlock device work?
When you first enter your vehicle, you provide a breath sample. If your BAC level does not exceed the programmed level, your vehicle should start normally. If the device does detect an unacceptable amount of alcohol, it will not allow your vehicle to start. In the latter situation, you must wait a period of time before testing again.
While you may think that providing an initial breath sample will be enough to get you to your destination, the device may require a rolling re-test. This type of test takes place while the vehicle is in motion. If your breath sample indicates an unacceptable BAC level, the device will cause your vehicle's lights to flash and horn to sound in efforts to make you stop the vehicle. The purpose of this test is to make sure you do not consume alcohol after starting your car.
Can you avoid this outcome and keep driving?
If you hope to avoid having an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle or having to handle other consequences, you may wish to create a defense against the allegations brought against you in hopes of avoiding a conviction for DWI. If successful, you could avoid negative sentencing in relation to the alleged incident.