Ignition Interlock Devices

DUI Lawyers for Cases Involving Ignition Interlock Devices in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Throughout Michigan

In the state of Michigan, there are numerous penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; some of these include fines, potential jail time, community service, and driver's license suspension. However, if convicted of OWI or DUI, you may be ordered by the judge to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. This is frequently a condition of restoration of an individual's driver's license, or probation. An ignition interlock device measures your BAC (blood alcohol content) when you attempt to drive your vehicle; if you fail this Breathalyzer test, your vehicle will not start. Additionally, the information from the device is recorded, which could be detrimental throughout your probation or when used against you in court. At Grabel & Associates, our Michigan OWI defense lawyers aggressively defend those charged with DUI, OWVI, OUIL, and other related offenses. Our goal is to help clients avoid increased restrictions and potential driver's license revocation.

When arrested for or under investigation for a drunk driving offense, it is critical to have a skilled and capable attorney on your side throughout every stage of the criminal process. We will fight to protect you from driver's license revocation, jail time, fines, and other unnecessary restrictions on your freedom, including the installation of an ignition interlock device.

Michigan Ignition Interlock for OWI Conviction

When convicted of an operating while intoxicated offense, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device. Not only is this costly, false-positive results may lead to further legal action. Individuals who are considered repeat offenders are the most likely to be required to have a device installed. Additionally, you may be required to have a BAIID (breath alcohol ignition interlock device) installed if convicted of a high BAC offense under Michigan's "Super Drunk" law. This is an offense individuals may be charged with when BAC is found to be 0.17%, more than twice the state's legal limit of 0.08%. The limit on these devices is preset, so if you blow over the preset limit or 0.025, your vehicle will not start. You may believe you can "fool" the system, however this is not possible. There are measures in place to prevent an individual from driving after drinking, such as recording a picture of the driver to ensure it is you.

As mentioned previously, being required to install an ignition interlock device is costly - and you will be required to pay for it, along with all of the fees, fines, or penalties associated with your DUI conviction. The financial impact of a conviction can be substantial, considering the penalties already mentioned and the fact that the BAIID device will cost you initially for installation, and possibly incur daily fees as well. We urge you to contact our highly skilled team of criminal defense attorneys immediately. We are ready to fight the drunk driving charges against you.

Michigan Lawyers for BAIID Charges and Violations

As with any equipment, ignition interlock devices can malfunction and do have their faults; this can result in a wrongful conviction. Whether false positive results or other malfunctions of the device, we will fight vigorously to protect you from conviction and the resulting punishment. Certain substances can cause an ignition interlock device to detect alcohol on your breath when none exists, such as mouthwash and some foods. It is also possible for the BAIID to record a false violation if other passengers in your vehicle have consumed alcohol. Regardless of the circumstances, a false positive BAC reading can result simply due to a malfunction of the device with no other extenuating circumstances.

Attempting to drive while intoxicated is a violation of the terms of probation; if caught, you may face enhanced or increased fines and extended license limitations. It is critical to contact a capable and aggressive DUI lawyer now who will fight false positive results or other BAIID malfunctions which could result in extended restrictions on your freedom. We will thoroughly investigate the details of your case, including whether the ignition interlock device may have been improperly calibrated and/or maintained.

Contact Our Michigan Criminal Defense Firm Now

Depending on your unique circumstances, a qualified Michigan DUI attorney with our firm can help you appeal when accused of BAIID violations, or in assisting you in petitioning for removal of the device. When a false positive result can potentially result in your driving privilege being revoked or a malfunction could leave you facing extended restrictions on your freedom or further penalties, it is critical to have an experienced, knowledgeable lawyer in your corner. Contact Grabel & Associates today at 1-800-342-7896 for a free evaluation of your case.