Ignition interlocks for anyone convicted of DUI in Tennessee?

March 16, 2013 (Press-News.org) Ignition interlocks for anyone convicted of DUI in Tennessee?

Article provided by McLendon & Milligan
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State and local government officials take a strong stance against drunk driving. Legislators increase the potential penalties that are in place for a conviction, and local law enforcement agencies aggressively target drunk drivers in their communities.

When a motorist is pulled over by law enforcement in Tennessee, he or she may not have any idea why police decided to make a traffic stop. When the officer approaches the vehicle, the driver may be nervous. This could lead to further investigation from the police. If the officer detects the presence of alcohol, this may lead the officer to suspect that the motorist has been driving under the influence.

Police may then request that the driver undergo field sobriety tests, to determine if the motorist is impaired. If the officer believes that the individual has not passed these tests, the motorist can be arrested for DUI. Officers may then administer blood or breath tests to check if the limit of alcohol present in a person's system is above 0.08 percent, the legal limit in Tennessee. Penalties for a DUI can include jail time and fines, and these will only increase with subsequent DUI convictions.

A recent bill has been proposed that would require ignition interlock devices for anyone convicted of a DUI in Tennessee. Currently, only those with blood-alcohol content levels above 0.15 percent will be required to install one of the devices.

Ignition interlocks prevent an individual from starting a vehicle if he or she has been drinking. Drivers have a breath sample taken when they get inside the vehicle, and if it registers above pre-set limits, the vehicle will not start. Drivers may be tested at other random times while operating the vehicle as well.

Many individuals try to bypass these devices by having non-intoxicated passengers have their breath tested. The new bill aims to curb that practice by requiring that the individual be photographed by the device while he or she is being tested. Those who are required to install ignition interlocks also are responsible for any costs that may be associated with them. This includes installation, as well monthly monitoring fees.

If you are facing charges of driving under the influence, speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney to begin preparing a strong defense to these charges. While pleading guilty may bring an end to the case, the consequences of a conviction can last the rest of your life. Any future criminal convictions will only increase the penalties that may be handed down. You need to take the matter seriously, and understand the options that are available in your situation.