Cheating your IID can lead to even more charges.
If you are arrested for driving under the influence in California, you may be required to install what is known as an ignition interlock device, or an IID. An IID works like a mini-breathalyzer. It is installed directly onto your vehicle’s steering column. If you have one installed into your car, then you must provide an alcohol-free breath sample in order to start your car. Without an alcohol-free breath sample, your vehicle will not start. Once your car is started, the IID will require regular breath samples as you continue to drive (within the first 5 to 15 minutes and then approximately every 45 minutes thereafter).
There have long been stories of people using air compressors and other devices to “cheat” the system and get around ignition interlock devices. In Albuquerque, New Mexico, that is exactly what one man did — which landed him in jail. According to the police, Thomas Farris was on DUI probation after his third DUI. He allegedly got drunk, and then used an air compressor to start his truck. Farris then allegedly rammed his truck into his wife’s SUV, with their two small children inside. A neighbor heard the commotion and captured Farris reversing after crashing into the SUV, and then backing into a curb before speeding off. He was then arrested, with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over the legal limit for driving. He has been charged with an additional charge of driving while intoxicated, domestic violence, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and child abuse.
While using an air compressor to trick an IID may seem like a good idea, as experienced Los Angeles DUI defense attorneys, we can tell you that it is not. IIDs require more than just an initial alcohol-free breath — they require multiple alcohol-free breath samples as you drive. Driving drunk is never, ever a good idea — and especially not when you are already on DUI probation and will face even more severe consequences for violating your probation.
When you are on California DUI probation, it is against the law to drive with any amount of alcohol in your system. Even if you managed to trick the IID, you could face very serious charges for doing so, including a criminal charge for violating your probation. If you are found to have violated probation, you could be required to serve the rest of your sentence in jail rather than via probation.
The state of California takes DUI charges very seriously, and punishes those who are caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs harshly. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, a skilled Los Angeles DUI defense attorney can help you get the best possible outcome for your case — and then it is up to you to comply with the terms of your sentence and probation.
If you have been charged with a DUI, contact the Chambers Law Firm today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com. Our seasoned Los Angeles DUI defense attorneys will aggressively defend your rights and your freedom. Initial consultations are always free!
