Understanding Ignition Interlock Device Information
When you are facing DWI charges, you face a number of potential consequences, including jail time, driver’s license revocation, fines and a mark on your criminal record. Additionally, the courts may require you to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your car for a period of time in order for your driving privileges to be reinstated.
Get Legal Advice For Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) Charges
At Hildreth & Rueda, our goal is to reduce or eliminate your DWI charges and penalties. Our attorneys focus on achieving optimal results for clients facing a range of criminal charges, including various DWI and alcohol-related offenses.
First-time DWI offenders and repeat offenders may be subject to participation in the IID program in Texas.
It is mandatory for anyone who has been convicted two times or more for any combination of the following charges:
- Driving while intoxicated (DWI)
- Intoxication assault
- Intoxication manslaughter
The use of an ignition interlock device (IID) will likely be a bond condition for people contending with multiple DWI charges.
The Court May Order Use Of A Portable Alcohol Monitoring Device (PAM)
While an ignition interlock device is to test for alcohol in your system prior to starting your car and while you are driving, the court may also order use of a portable alcohol monitoring device (PAM) that you carry with you to measure your breath for alcohol at specific times of day. For example, you will have to blow into it between the hours of 5 a.m. and 7 a.m., then again between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., and so on throughout the course of a 24-hour period.
Used for testing the alcohol level in your breath, this electronic device is connected directly the court’s monitoring system. Depending on the county, blowing into a PAM could be a requirement for entering a plea bargain, pretrial diversion, bond condition or for probation in your DWI case. The court may order usage of the PAM for alcohol usage supervision from two months to up to a year.
In Travis County, the court could order you to wear a tracking bracelet to monitor your alcohol level continuously to ensure you are not consuming any alcohol. This device is known as “Safe Monitoring Solution” or SCRAM GPS. Alternatively, the courts may order use of a camera device, SCRAM CAM.
Because each county may have differing policies, meeting the requirements of these types of devices may be confusing, but compliance is crucial to your future. At Hildreth & Rueda, we are here to help you understand the details of the process so you can get on with your life. Call us.
Contact Us For A Free Consultation
We have successfully handled thousands of drunk driving and intoxicated driving-related charges at all stages of legal proceedings. We understand the gravity of the charges you or your loved one is facing, and we will work tirelessly to preserve your freedom and your future.
For aggressive legal representation and to learn more about ignition interlock devices and personal alcohol monitoring, call our Austin lawyers at 512-415-7648 or contact us online. We offer free initial consultations.
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