Worried About Losing Your Driver’s License After a DUI/DWI Charge?
An ignition interlock device could be the key to not losing your driver’s license after a drunk driving charge.
After a DWI charge, it’s normal to feel anxious or concerned about your future. An experienced drunk driving lawyer can put your mind at ease by crafting a solid defense for you. David Hunter fights to get your case the best possible outcome, whether that’s dismissal, a plea bargain, or another strategy.
Implementing an IID (ignition interlock device) is another way to gain the best possible outcome for your case. If you are in danger of losing your driver’s license, accepting the installation of an IID in your car could save it!
Possible Consequences of Drunk Driving in Texas
The consequences of a DUI/DWI differ based on whether it’s your first offense and other details of your case. In general, though, the typical consequences of a drunk driving charge can range from hefty fines and community service, to restriction or suspension of a driver’s license. Check out the Texas penalties for drunk driving below:
First Offense
- Minimum of 3-180 days in jail
- Up to $2,000 in fines (increases if there was a child under 15 in the car)
- 90 days to 1 year driver’s license suspension
Second Offense
- Minimum of 30 days to 1 year in jail
- Up to $4,000 in fines (increases if there was a child under 15 in the car)
- 180 days to 2 years driver’s license suspension
- Ignition Interlock Device required
Third Offense
- Minimum of 2 years in jail
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- 180 days to 2 years driver’s license suspension
- Ignition Interlock Device required
It’s also important to note this:
Keep in mind that Texas has no “lookback” period — the time during which a previous charge may be counted in your total number of DWIs. That is, even if your first DWI was 25 years ago, it will still count as a prior offense.
What’s an Ignition Interlock Device?
Think of an ignition interlock device, or IID, as a personal breathalyzer in your car. This incredible piece of technology decreases DWIs, and crashes or accidents related to drunk driving.
It’s connected to the vehicle on the dashboard or elsewhere inside the car.
The IID adds one more step in order for a driver to start the vehicle. In order to start the engine, the driver must first breathe into the device. The ignition interlock device then reads the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC). If the IID reads a BAC above the programmed limit in the device (which may be less than the legal limit), the engine will not start.
Defendants charged with DWI in Texas risk having their driver’s license suspended. However, your drunk driving lawyer can negotiate the installation of an ignition interlock device, which may keep you from losing your license!
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How Does an Ignition Interlock Device Work?
An ignition interlock device works like this:
The device is built with security, accuracy, and safety in mind. It’s important to note that all tests are recorded and saved, and “rolling retests” are required as well.
“Rolling retests” are secondary IID tests after you’ve started driving. The rolling retest allows you enough time to pull over and safely complete the test or complete it while driving if preferred. If you do not do the retest, the IID will continue to alert you until you do it. If you take too long or fail the BAC test, an alarm will go off, lights will flash, or some other signal will occur.
Schedule a Consultation with Sugar Land Drunk Driving Lawyer David Hunter Today!
David Hunter’s years of experience both behind the bench as a judge and as a defense lawyer give him a competitive advantage. David Hunter is extremely familiar with Sugar Land and Fort Bend County courts and knows how to build a solid defense for your DUI/DWI case – along with many other types of cases. If you’re in need of an experienced, knowledgeable defense lawyer, call David Hunter Law Firm today! We serve the Sugar Land, Richmond, and Missouri City areas.
Ignition Interlock Devices Could Save Your Driver’s License | David Hunter Law Firm – Sugar Land, TX
