Ignition interlock device program in Virginia

The Virginia legislature recently updated state law to require ignition interlock devices to be installed into vehicles of convicted first time DUI offenders.

2013-02-22

February 22, 2013 (Press-News.org) Ignition interlock device program in Virginia

Article provided by Montagna & Montagna, P.C.
Visit us at http://www.montagnalaw.com

The Virginia legislature recently updated state law to require ignition interlock devices to be installed into vehicles of convicted first time DUI offenders who have a blood alcohol level above .08. The offenders must have these devices installed in order to receive a restricted driver's license.

Previously, judges had more discretion in cases of first time DUI offenders. It is hoped that the mandated installation of the devices will improve safety on Virginia roads.

Ignition interlock device

The ignition interlock device is installed directly into the convicted DUIoffender's car by a specialist. The device comes with a tube that the driver must blow into in order to start the vehicle. If the driver has too much alcohol in his or her system, the ignition will lock, and the driver cannot start the car.

Some drivers may try to get away with not using the device by having someone else blow into the tube for them. However, if a driver is caught trying to circumvent the system in this manner, it can result in a hefty fine.

Costs associated with the device

Ignition interlock devices can be costly. The device needs to be installed by a specialist, which typically costs between $100-$200. There is also a monthly rental fee of between $70-$100. Additionally, when the car is locked, it must be towed to the specialist again, who will charge to unlock the device. The car cannot be used until the specialist unlocks the device.

Due to the fact that many manufacturers of ignition interlock devices joined forces this year to lobby for greater use of their product, there is concern that the use of ignition interlock devices may benefit the manufacturers and specialists more than being useful as a prevention tool. Yet, while many concede that the producers of the devices will be making a larger profit and that the costs for the offenders can be high, they also note that the potential for a heightened level of road safety is worth the associated expenses.

When charged with a DUI

Because of the consequences that can result from getting a DUI, especially with the potential added expense of an ignition interlock device, it is wise to seek out an experienced Virginia DUI defense lawyer. An attorney can help to protect your rights and advocate for you to achieve the best possible outcome.

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

Teen drivers do better with fewer teen passengers

2013-02-22

Teen drivers do better with fewer teen passengers Article provided by Cohen & Feeley Visit us at http://www.cohenfeeley.com Recent findings by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety highlight the need for a watchful approach when licensing teenaged drivers. Analyzing fatal crashes in the United States between 2005 and 2010, AAA looked at the effect of having passengers age 13 to 19 with 16- and 17-year-old drivers. During this five-year period 9,578 drivers in this age group were involved in fatal car accidents. Of these, 3,994 had at least one teenage passenger ...

Division of marital property crucial issue in most divorces

2013-02-22

Division of marital property crucial issue in most divorces Article provided by Law Offices of Catherine A. Schwartz Visit us at http://www.cschwartzlaw.com Most of us know someone who has gone through a divorce. In many cases, it is often a highly-contested matter, leaving each of the spouses emotionally drained. It can take time before they are ready to enter into another relationship. But as the time passes, individuals may find someone new. They may fall in love all over again, and decide to get married. However, these individuals need to protect themselves ...

Important information for potential Maryland franchise owners

2013-02-22

Important information for potential Maryland franchise owners Article provided by Thienel Law Firm L.L.C. Visit us at http://www.thienel-law.com Deciding to start a business is exciting and challenging. It is also often complicated and involves significant initial investment. This is why many aspiring business owners choose to purchase a franchise. A franchise is less costly and involves less risk than starting a completely new business. Before purchasing a franchise, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the franchise process. It is also crucial ...

West Virginia fracking may expose workers to dangerous silica dust

2013-02-22

West Virginia fracking may expose workers to dangerous silica dust Article provided by Robinette Legal Group, PLLC Visit us at http://www.robinettelaw.com Silica is a mineral commonly found in the earth's crust, especially in quartz. When quartz or other rock containing silica is blasted apart, microscopic particles of silica are released as dust. Sand also often contains silica. When dust containing tiny particles of silica is released into the air, usually in industrial settings like mining or drilling, workers in the area are in danger of breathing silica ...

New Jersey residents pleading for immigration reform

2013-02-22

New Jersey residents pleading for immigration reform Article provided by Lee & Garasia, LLC Visit us at http://www.njimmigrationattorney.com Immigration reform is a hot topic for debate in New Jersey, where there is an especially strong Hispanic population. Recently, a group of U.S. senators referred to as the "Gang of Eight" created a bipartisan framework to push for immigration reform. Immigration reform and education is necessary in order to help those living in the country as undocumented aliens to understand their rights and to feel comfortable ...

Protect your trade secrets from competitors' prying eyes

2013-02-22

Protect your trade secrets from competitors' prying eyes Article provided by Ansa Assuncao LLP Visit us at http://www.ansalaw.com Companies spend lots of money, time and human capital to develop proprietary information that sets their products apart from the competition. Unfortunately, competitors are often out to steal these trade secrets. Companies can protect their proprietary information in several effective ways. What is a trade secret? A trade secret is a process or practice of a company that is unknown to that company's competitors. A trade secret could ...

Another successful Teen Driver Safety Week highlights dangers of novice drivers

2013-02-22

Another successful Teen Driver Safety Week highlights dangers of novice drivers Article provided by Schuster Jachetti LLP Visit us at http://www.mydelawarelawyer.com/ This October saw another successful teen driver safety week in Delaware. The time is set aside to educate the young drivers of the state is sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles' teen driver services center, and was designed to highlight the dangers of having distracted or ill-prepared teens behind the wheel. Why have ...

How to handle a car crash in Maryland

2013-02-22

How to handle a car crash in Maryland Article provided by Schlachman, Belsky & Weiner, P.A. Visit us at http://www.sbwlaw.com/ Car crashes happen every day. In early January, Baltimore saw a three-vehicle crash that left four people injured. The crash occurred at 7:30 in the morning between Ritchie Highway and Arnold Road. All four people were transferred to the hospital. The crash caused the road to be closed, and traffic to back-up. As this incident shows, many people are injured in car accidents each year in Maryland, and many of them are entitled to recover ...

Popular South Carolina legislator faces DUI charges

2013-02-22

Popular South Carolina legislator faces DUI charges Article provided by Lord Law Firm, LLC Visit us at http://www.sctraffictickets.com/ It is commonly known that a DUI charge can result in devastating consequences. Last fall, a well-known state legislator was charged with a DUI after returning home from a football game. The legislator refused a breathalyzer test when officers stopped him several hours after the game. He was on his way to Charlotte, North Carolina to visit family. Eventually submitting to a field sobriety test, the man was held for several ...

Meth labs increasing in North Carolina

2013-02-22

Meth labs increasing in North Carolina Article provided by Gottholm, Welborn & Benton, PLLC Visit us at http://www.bentonwelbornlaw.com Methamphetamine production is a problem that has led to increased arrests for drug crimes in many states across the country. Law enforcement agencies aggressively target manufacturers of the drug, because it is so addictive and causes so many problems in communities. State legislators pass laws making it more difficult to have access to the materials needed to produce meth, but it has not seemed to had as much of an effect as ...