Houston DWI Defense Attorney

Should a defendant be successfully convicted for driving while intoxicated, there are several DWI penalties that they will be asked to submit to. These can include everything from monetary fines to incarceration; however, they are typically created with the mindset of punishment although this is not always the case. In fact, one of the newest and most popular penalties is not just created to punish the convicted, but rather, to prevent reoccurrence and to help the defendant in rehabilitating themselves to a more sober future. This penalty is known as the Ignition Interlock Device.

Brief Overview of the Ignition Interlock Device

The Ignition Interlock Device (IID) was created to be extremely similar to the breath test. In essence, the IID is exactly that - a breath test that is installed onto every vehicle that the defendant owns or leases (either by themselves or with the help of another). The IID simply sits there until the defendant goes to start his car; at this time, the device will require that a breath sample is given. If a sample is given with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) under the machine's threshold, the car will start per usual. If there is no sample given or if the BAC is above the threshold, the car will not start.

Following this, a defendant will thus be required to partake in "rolling tests" which will require another breath sample to be given at random intervals of driving. This will prohibit a defendant from getting a sober friend to give the initial sample and will require that they remain sober the entire time of driving - not just drinking as soon as the car starts. If no sample or an unclean sample is given during driving, the device will begin to emit sounds, lights or a combination of both until it is shut off. Any time that the sample is unclean, the event will be recorded and printed out for proper officials to review.

Penalties of the IID in Houston, Texas

According to §19.26 of the "Texas Ignition Interlock Device Regulations," the IID is a required penalty to be used for those facing a DWI charge with prior conviction on their record or for those who are criminally charged who are in possession of a commercial driver's license (CDL). The following are approved devices as set out by Texas:

Intoxalock
Draeger 3530920
Draeger XT
LifeSafer FC100
Smart Start SSI1000
SmartStart SSI 20/20
Guardian 3060
Guardian AMS2000
Alcohol Detection Systems DM-904

It is also important that the cost of the device also typically falls on the shoulders of the defendant. This includes the installation costs (typically ranging from $100 to $200), the monthly fee (as high as $100) and any associated maintenance or calibration fees. This means that the device is often not only inconvenient, but also costly for the accused.

Why hire a Houston criminal attorney for DWI defense?

I, Attorney Ned Barnett, understand just how difficult it can be to deal with the possibility of a DWI conviction. No matter whether you're dealing with an underage DWI, a felony DWI or even a simply first offense, you could be facing serious penalties. You need an experienced Houston criminal defense lawyer on your side to help you protect yourself against this possibility. I have extensive experience in criminal law. You can breathe easier knowing that I will go the distance in my efforts to provide my clients with the high-quality and hard-hitting assistance that they truly deserve.

To learn more about the Ignition Interlock Device, please contact a Houston DWI attorney from my legal team as soon as possible!