Any arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence is alarming for the driver, whether it is a first brush with the law or a repeat offense.
Of primary concern for most of those arrested is driver’s license suspension. You need your car. You need your license. This is where an IID may play a role.
An administrative concern
An administrative hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles is separate from the criminal proceeding you would face in court. The DMV is only interested in your driving privileges. The DMV might have concerns as to whether law enforcement had reason to believe you were driving under the influence of alcohol, whether your blood alcohol content level was .08% or more, whether you refused to submit to a blood or breath test and whether the arrest was lawful.
Installation of an IID
Depending on the circumstances, the DMV can suspend your driver’s license. For example, a suspension of four months is normal for a first DUI offense. For subsequent violations, a suspension could stretch into years. However, you may immediately apply for a restricted license if you agree to the installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. With the IID in place to record the amount of alcohol in your system, you can drive anywhere at any time as long as testing shows you are alcohol-free.
A look ahead
Remember that the person administering a test you took might not have had the proper training. Equipment can malfunction. The law enforcement officer who arrested you could have made an administrative error. Your driving privileges are important. So are your future plans, and the goal of an effective defense strategy is to ensure the best outcome possible for your case.