When you are convicted of certain DUI offenses in Seattle, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device as part of your DUI penalty. If you are facing charges where an ignition interlock device may need to be installed, it is very important that you get help from a DUI lawyer Seattle right away.
An ignition interlock device is a special device that is installed in your vehicle or in whatever vehicle(s) you drive. An ignition interlock device is designed to force you to have your blood alcohol content checked before you begin to drive your vehicle. As your DUI lawyer Seattle will explain to you, an ignition interlock device may also require rolling retests wherein you blow into the device while driving.
If you fail your ignition interlock device BAC test, your vehicle will not start. If you fail the rolling retest, then your vehicle’s horn will start to go off and lights will start to flash until you pull over. This can be extremely embarrassing for you. In fact, simply having the ignition interlock device on your vehicle can be embarrassing not just for you but also for any family members that might want to use your vehicle and who will have to use the device to have their breath checked.
As your DUI lawyer Seattle can explain, an ignition interlock device can also be very expensive. You will need to pay for the installation and for the monitoring.
Avoiding an ignition interlock device when convicted and during sentencing can be difficult, so it is best to contact a DUI lawyer Seattle as soon as you are arrested for DUI. Your DUI lawyer Seattle can help you to raise defenses to the charges you face and hopefully avoid not just the required installation of an ignition interlock device, but also conviction and associated penalties for a DUI. If your DUI lawyer Seattle cannot help you to come up with any viable defenses that may allow you to avoid conviction entirely, your DUI lawyer Seattle may also be able to assist in negotiating a plea deal wherein the DUI ignition interlock device is not a condition or requirement.