How Do Ignition Interlock Laws In Indiana Work?

If you have been pulled over, arrested and charged for driving under the influence you are undoubtedly feeling very concerned about what might happen. Being charged with a DUI is a serious matter. If convicted you stand to lose many privileges. One such privilege is your right to drive. Most people who are convicted of a DUI/OWI have their license suspended for at least a short time period. First time DUI/OWI offenders in Indiana face having their license suspended up to 90 days. Drivers in Fort Wayne who have a prior offense face several other penalties, including losing their license for up to two years.

When someone is convicted of driving under the influence the goal is to prevent that person from becoming a repeat offender. To that end, those who are convicted of a second offense are also required to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle if they want get their driving privileges restored. These devices prevent a person from starting his or her vehicle without first taking a breath test. Many separate studies have shown that these devices are an effective measure to keep people who have been drinking from being able to get behind the wheel and drive.

As previously mentioned, if you are convicted of a second DUI offense, then you could lose your license for as long as two years. When your suspension period ends, you will be required to have someone install an ignition interlock device. That means you will be required to take any vehicle that you drive to a service center and have one of these devices installed. Anyone who is convicted of third OWI/DUI offense must also install an ignition interlock device.

While it has been shown that ignition interlock devices are helping deter people convicted of driving under the influence from becoming repeat offenders, that doesn’t mean that everyone who has been convicted of a DUI should be ordered to install one of these devices. They do still create restrictions and not all offenders are a risk to become repeat offenders. Likewise, not all people who are arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence are actually guilty. No one wants to have to contact a Fort Wayne DUI defense attorney, but if you have been arrested and/or charged with a DUI then you can’t afford to face that battle alone. You need the experience of The Bellinger Law Office to help you fight the charges. Call is today in Fort Wayne at 260-428-2214, or connect with us online.