A conviction for drunk driving comes with various serious penalties, including jail time, expensive fines and more. One of the penalties that could have a negative impact on your life if you find yourself facing OWI charges is the required installation of an ignition interlock device.
Not every OWI offender in Wisconsin will have to have one of these devices installed in his or her car, but regardless of the nature of your case, you would be wise to learn more about the penalties you could face, along with how you can protect your interests as much as possible. With help, you can effectively confront any charge that stems from an alcohol-related offense.
Who gets an ignition interlock device?
The required installation of an ignition interlock device is not a penalty for every OWI conviction. Individuals who fall into the following categories will have to install one of these devices in their vehicles, however:
- Those who refuse to submit to a chemical test when requested by law enforcement
- First-time offenders with a blood alcohol concentration of .15 percent or higher at the time of their arrest
- Individuals who have a previous OWI on their criminal record
- Third-time or subsequent OWI offenders
Of course, any individual facing OWI charges would find it beneficial to learn more about the penalties that could apply to their specific case and how they should tailor their defense strategy to meet their individual needs and legal objectives.
How much will it cost?
A drunk driving conviction is not cheap. In addition to the administrative penalties and other fines you could face, you may also have to deal with the cost of the installation and rental of an ignition interlock device. You may have to lease the device, pay for its installation, monthly service fees and the costs of having the device removed when the required time is up.
Don’t delay in fighting an OWI
One of the most effective ways to avoid some of the unpleasant consequences of a drunk driving charge is to avoid a conviction altogether. You may challenge the case against you; challenge any violations of your rights during the traffic stop and more. However, your defense strategy is most effective when it suits the circumstances of your unique case.
You would be wise not to delay in building your defense strategy, but instead, take the appropriate steps as soon as possible after an arrest.
