Nevada uses ignition interlocks as a method to deter drunk driving

March 19, 2013 (Press-News.org) Nevada uses ignition interlocks as a method to deter drunk driving

Article provided by Benjamin Durham Law Firm
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While Nevada is most notoriously known as the host of "Sin City," the state must nonetheless address crimes that compromise public safety. In an effort to deter dangerous behavior, the Nevada legislature has enacted unique laws regarding drunk driving. One piece of Nevada's plan is to reduce drunk drivingincidents with the use of ignition interlock devices (IID). The hope is that these instruments will pull intoxicated drivers off Nevada roads.

An ignition interlock device is an alcohol breath-screening instrument, which is installed in a vehicle and prevents a car from starting if a motorist's blood-alcohol concentration is too high to drive. In Nevada, the court has the discretion to force drunk driving offenders to install an ignition interlock device as a consequence of a conviction and condition of license reinstatement. The court takes into consideration the circumstances of each case before determining whether IIDs are needed. In evaluating a case, courts look at one's drunk driving history, one's blood-alcohol concentration at the time of the arrest and whether individuals were harmed because of the offender's drunk driving.

Generally, if the offender is convicted of driving under the influence with a breath-alcohol (or blood-alcohol) content of 0.18 or less, the courts may (or may not) order the installation of an IID in the convicted person's vehicle. If the court does order the IID, the device is typically required for a period of three to six months.

On the other hand, courts must order the installation of an IID for convictions where the offender's breath-alcohol content was 0.18 or higher. The instruments are also mandatory for offenders with convictions involving vehicular homicide or bodily harm. In these cases, the IID is required for a period of 12 to 36 months. When an offender has three convictions, he or she is also subject to an IID installation for one to three years.

It is important to note that there are some exceptions to these general sentencing schedules. Therefore, the presentation of your personal case is very significant.

If you are confronting a DUI charge, you must address not only the accusation, but also the consequential sentence in court, if necessary. To ensure that your rights are honored and protected on all levels, it is best to retain the quality assistance of a skilled criminal defense attorney. A lawyer can help ensure that your case is presented sufficiently to the court.