The cost of these devices must be paid by the defendant in a DUI case
If you have been convicted of driving under the influence in California, you may be ready to deal with the consequences — serving probation, going to alcohol education classes, paying fines, having a restricted license, and doing community service. As of January 2019, there is a new penalty to add to the list: the installation of an ignition interlock device, or IID.
An ignition interlock device is a small breathalyzer that attaches to a vehicle’s ignition. In order to start the vehicle, the driver must provide an alcohol-free breath sample. To keep the car going, the IID requires continuous alcohol-free breath samples at random intervals. The goal of the IID is to ensure that drivers who have been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) are not operating their vehicles after they have been drinking alcohol.
Prior to January 2019, California judges generally had discretion as to whether they would order the installation of IIDs in the vehicles of people convicted of DUIs (other than in a few counties that were part of a pilot program). Seeing the success of the pilot program, the California Legislature passed Senate Bill 1046. This law mandates that judges require the installation of IIDs in all DUI cases — even first-time offenses.
According to a DUI defense lawyer Santa Ana, CA, one of the most surprising aspects of an IID for many people convicted of a DUI offense is that they are required to pay for it themselves. It typically costs between $70 to $100 each month to have a court-ordered IID installed in your vehicle. The cost of an IID is determined by a number of factors, such as the features that the defendant is required to have. Some courts require the IID to have GPS monitoring, real-tie reporting, or a camera. The length of time that the IID is installed will also influence cost, as will the provider chosen by the driver.
In addition to the monthly fee, anyone convicted of a DUI will have to pay for the installation of the device, routine calibrations and the removal of the device. This can make having an IID an expensive proposition — and far more costly than simply getting a cab or ordering an Uber if you have been out drinking.
The Chambers Law Firm understands the challenges that our clients face when they have been charged with a California DUI. We are here to help. If you are facing DUI charges, contact us today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com. Initial consultations with an experienced DUI defense lawyer Santa Ana, CA are always free of charge.
