Being charged with a DWI in Maryland comes with a wide array of consequences, including high fines, loss of license, and potential jail time. Additionally, you may also have to install the ignition interlock device in your vehicle, which can be humiliating and quite cumbersome, however, in some cases, it may help you in the long run. Read on and reach out to our Maryland criminal defense attorney to learn more about the ignition interlock device. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What is an ignition interlock device?
Essentially, the ignition interlock device is a machine that is installed in your vehicle after being convicted of a DWI, and its purpose is to prevent you from driving while under the influence. To start your vehicle, you will have to provide a breath sample. If your breath sample exceeds the set BAC limit, your vehicle will not start. The device will also require you to provide breath samples at random throughout the duration of your trip.
What is the Ignition Interlock Program?
While having such a device installed in your car sounds far from appealing, the Ignition Interlock Program may save you a significant amount of trouble. Essentially, if your license was suspended for an alcohol-related driving offense and you qualify for the program, you may continue driving while your license is suspended, as long as you use the device. In most cases, you will have to participate in the program for anywhere between six months and three years, depending on whether this was your first, second, or third alcohol-related driving offense. Additionally, if you were under the age of 21 at the time of your DWI, you may have to use the device for up to three years. While many drivers are mandated to participate in the program, certain drivers are not, though they can participate in the program voluntarily, and upon completion, they may be eligible for the reinstatement of their license. The qualifications for completion are as follows:
- If arrested with a BAC between .08% and .14%: 180 days with the device
- If arrested with a BAC of .15% or higher: One year with the device
- If convicted of refusing to submit to chemical testing: One year with the device
If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to speak with our knowledgeable Maryland criminal defense attorney today.
Contact our experienced Maryland firm
The Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz has decades of experience representing clients in Anne Arundel County and Howard County, Maryland who need legal assistance for criminal defense or personal injury matters. Contact the Law Offices of Debra A. Saltz today to discuss your case.
