DUI Defender

A bill is currently working its way through the California State Legislature (Senate Bill 177) that will require every person found guilty of DUI to install an ignition interlock device on their car.

Ignition Interlock Device-

An ignition interlock device is a machine that is installed in a car between the key and the starter.  The driver must blow into the device prior to the car starting.  If the machine determines that the driver is not “sober” it will not start.  These devices also require periodic testing of the driver, meaning that while the car is on the road the driver must blow into the device.  In the event that the vehicle detects alcohol, it initiates an alarm, the lights and horn will sound until the vehicle is shut off, it does not shut off the engine immediately.

Why this is bad-

The number one reason cited by MADD and the proponents of this change in the law is the increased rate of repeat DUI’s.  The statistic most recently cited by the proponents of this law (who include the lobby group for the manufacturer’s of these devices) includes all of the new repeat offenders added to the statistic since the “look back” period was changed from seven years to ten thereby increasing (by at least a third) the number of persons subject to inclusion in any repeat offender statistics.  The statistics in New Mexico, the only State to have a mandatory IID requirement for first offenders have been seriously manipulated to create the illusion of effectiveness.

This law will unfairly effect the working poor more significantly than the rich.  The Ignition Interlock Device must be purchased or leased from a provider.  The device must be brought in to a licensed provider every so often to have data downloaded and have its calibration verified, this too costs money.  What will the people who can not afford these devices do?  They will either sell their existing car (and purchase another car in someone else’s name), or transfer ownership to another person.  Once the title is no longer associated with the convicted driver, the Ignition Interlock is no longer required.  It doesn’t matter who’s driving the car, only to whom the car is registered.  While this will not satisfy the requirement that a device be on any car driven by the convicted driver, it is only possible to verify that any car owned by the driver has an ignition interlock installed.

The law will adversely impact the lease car industry.  The IID is hard wired into a car meaning that it must be bolted to the car, the damage caused by the installation violates the terms and conditions of most automobile leases.

The device is non-specific for alcohol.  I have had client’s who could not start their car shortly after smoking a cigarette or using mouth wash.  Many of the defenses we use to challenge criminal cases are applicable to these machines as there are no safeguards.  Some gums and other breath fresheners will cause positive measurements; again the car will not start.  The lack of specificity could result in sober people not being able to start their car to drive to work or appointments.

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