IGNITION INTERLOCK RESTRICTED DRIVER IN UTAH
Defending the Rights of Clients Whose Driving Privileges Are Restricted
There are many continuing burdens for individuals convicted of DUI in Utah. Beyond the fines, possible jail time, license suspension, evaluation and treatment, being ordered to install and use an ignition interlock device on your vehicles can create inconvenience and financial burdens for years to come. What’s worse, violating the many rules and restrictions that bind an ignition interlock restricted driver can lead to new criminal charges. But the skilled criminal defense attorneys of Intermountain Legal have the experience and knowledge to help when you face such charges.
Ignition Interlock Requirements
Recent changes to state law now place even most first-time offenders under Utah ignition interlock restricted driver status for up to 18 months. (Formerly, only repeat offenders or those convicted of DUI under certain aggravating circumstances were required to use these devices.) This is subsequent to the 120-day license suspension that many first-time offenders receive and runs concurrently with a two-year period as an alcohol-restricted driver.
An ignition interlock restricted driver cannot legally operate any motor vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock device (IID). These devices require the driver to submit a breath sample with no traces of alcohol before the vehicle’s engine will start as well as additional samples periodically while the vehicle is in operation. Many IIDs also keep a record of failures — instances where the driver was unable to start the vehicle due to the presence of alcohol in his or her system. For an ignition interlock restricted driver, operating a vehicle that is not equipped with an IID is a Class B misdemeanor offense carrying fines and potential confinement. Moreover, being convicted of driving without an ignition interlock device can lead to an additional three years as punishment.
Defending clients charged with ignition interlock offenses can be a challenge because the law has few exceptions. But the same evidentiary and procedural issues that occur in other criminal proceedings come into play in these types of cases. Moreover, some affirmative defenses may be available for certain interlock restricted drivers caught violating the IID law in the course of employment. We understand the issues in these types of cases and work with you to present a strong defense.
Call the Firm for a Free Consultation Regarding Your Ignition Interlock Case
At Intermountain Legal, our attorneys have participated in hundreds of criminal cases. You can count on a DUI lawyer who understands your rights. We know the law and we know the process. Call our office today at 801-970-2800 or contact us online to begin taking control of your legal troubles.
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Intermountain Legal is located in Salt Lake City, UT and serves clients throughout all of Northern and Central Utah including Salt Lake City, Midvale, Sandy, West Jordan, North Salt Lake, Bountiful, South Jordan, Clearfield, Woods Cross, Draper, Farmington, Centerville, Layton, Ogden, Lehi, Provo, Orem, Park City and the counties of Davis, Salt Lake, Weber, Utah, Tooele and Summit.