If you have been charged or convicted of DUI after January 1, 2010, there are new laws that will be implemented by the courts and prosecutors beginning January 1, 2010.

The standard declaration for a first-time DUI offense in Los Angeles County includes a court order to complete an alcoholism program for the first time (AB 541), 36 months of summary probation, and a fine plus fines than usual. They amount to around $ 2,000.00. The standard first offender plea agreement only applies to those DUI cases that do not involve bodily injury.

However, effective January 1, 2010, the court will also impose an order that will include the installation of an interlock ignition device (IID) in any vehicle the defendant drives. The device will be imposed for a mandatory period of 5 months.

The IID is a device that is installed in your vehicle and requires you to blow into a machine that will measure your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). In other words, a breathalyzer. Vehicles that have an IID in place will require the driver to provide a breath sample before the vehicle starts. The IID will have a predetermined BAC level and if the breath sample exceeds the predetermined BAC level, the vehicle will not start.

The device is equipped with a record that stores the evidence and includes all passes, warnings and failures. Since the machines are checked every certain period of time, the collected evidence will be reported to the relevant authorities. This is necessary not only for evidence collection, but also to ensure that the IID is properly calibrated.

These devices also collect data on any tampering and circumvention attempts. Again, any evidence found will be reported to the relevant authorities. In addition, sanctions will be imposed against those who help to manipulate or circumvent the IID device.

How does the IID affect you? Many people have jobs that require driving for a living. For example, drivers (bus, school, courier, ambulance) can lose their jobs due to this new law. Most employers will not consent to their vehicles being equipped with IID devices so that you can start the car. As well as the embarrassment associated with the act of blowing into the IID prior to power-up. You are likely to be fired.

Finally, the cost of the IID device will be a burden on you too. It is your financial responsibility to have the system installed. The cost of the IID is typically about $ 2.50 per day, plus an installation fee that will range from $ 75.00 to $ 100.00.