Seattle Ignition Interlock Devices Lawyer

Seattle Ignition Interlock Devices Attorney

If you’ve been court-ordered to use an ignition interlock device as a condition of keeping your driving privileges, adjusting to a Seattle ignition interlock device can be overwhelming. You’ll want to comply, but you may need some advice. A Seattle ignition interlock devices lawyer can offer the support you need to succeed in meeting the conditions of your sentence.

Employ a Proficient Seattle Ignition Interlock Device Attorney

Peters Associates, LLC, has been representing clients with drinking-and-driving-related charges in Seattle for over 20 years. We know how the courts work, and we use this knowledge and our understanding of state laws to try to get a favorable outcome for every client we represent. When an ignition interlock device is the only alternative to more severe penalties, our Seattle DUI attorneys are experienced in working these in as an alternative sentence.

What Is an Ignition Interlock Device?

An ignition interlock device, also called an IID, is a piece of equipment that is installed on your vehicle. In order to drive your car, you must first blow into the IID. The IID measures your blood alcohol content level, also called your BAC. If your BAC is lower than 0.025, your car’s engine will start. However, the IID prevents your car from starting if your BAC is any higher, so you can’t drive while intoxicated.

The Problem With IIDs

Many Seattle residents are required to install ignition interlock devices on their vehicles as an alternative to losing their driving privileges. However, it may not be as easy as it seems to comply with these conditions. More than 40,000 ignition interlock devices have been court-ordered to be installed as a condition of sentencing, but never were.

Reports claim that there is a staggering 33% compliance rate in Washington state for ignition interlock devices, but research has shown these devices to be effective in minimizing drunk driving-related accidents.

Many drinkers who have an ignition interlock device installed on their vehicle and use it regularly and properly have a lower chance of recidivism. On the other hand, those who don’t use it properly, tamper with it, or never install it have a higher chance of recidivism.

It should be noted that the effectiveness of an ignition interlock device is increased when coupled with some other form of support program, such as treatment and other interventions. They are also the most effective when compliance is enforced.

Why Would You Hire an Ignition Interlock Device Lawyer?

With such low compliance, the chance that an individual completes the IID conditions and meets the requirements of their sentencing is one in three ignition interlock device cases. When you hire an ignition interlock device lawyer, you ensure compliance and commit to following through with your sentencing and moving on from your DUI.

If that’s not incentive enough, those individuals who have completed a one-year IID period must maintain four months of violation-free IID use before they can get their non-restricted driving privileges restored.

Washington IID Laws

Washington state takes ignition interlock devices very seriously. They go so far as to do detailed research on the effectiveness of, compliance with, and recidivism among users. Consequently, there are ignition interlock device laws that must be adhered to by those required to install them on their vehicles.

The time period that the courts may require a defendant to use an IID can range from six months to 10 years. Some charges, such as negligent or reckless driving, can incur a minimum of six months’ use of an IID. For a first-time DUI, there is a minimum one-year requirement for installation on the driver’s vehicle. A second DUI offense requires a five-year installation, and a third or subsequent offense carries the maximum 10-year IID requirement.

You must get your IID from a Washington State Patrol-approved manufacturer. You must also get your IID installed by an approved manufacturer. Only the vendor who installs your IID can provide the appropriate proof that you have properly installed the device. The vendor submits proof of installation to the Washington State Department of Licensing.

Some accepted vendors include Simple Interlock, located at 313 Rainier Avenue North, Renton, Washington, and various Intoxalock locations found inside car stereo installation businesses, like Stereo Warehouse, Inc., located at 13728 Aurora Avenue North, Seattle, Washington. You can find more vendors, locations, and information by visiting the Washington State Patrol website.

Why Choose Us?

Peters Associates, LLC, has represented many ignition interlock device cases. Our firm is well-versed in DUI laws as well as interlock device laws. We have gotten many clients’ DUI charges reduced, with the condition that they install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle. It is also an effective bargaining tool when a defendant is in danger of losing their driving privileges altogether. It’s one resource in our toolbox that we can use to help your case.

An ignition interlock device provides insurance to the courts that drinking and driving will not take place.

FAQs About Seattle, WA Ignition Interlock Devices Law

What Is the Lawsuit Against Interlock Devices?

There is no lawsuit against interlock devices per se, but there is controversy surrounding their use. Some believe they infringe on drivers’ privacy because they track the users’ locations, while others say they are unsafe due to distractions while driving. Drivers are required to do random rolling retests while driving, which has contributed to some accidents.

Can I Get My Interlock Removed Early in Washington State?

Yes, you can get your interlock removed early in Washington state. The requirement for this is that your certified vendor must report that you were compliant for a consecutive 180 days. This is the requirement set forth by Washington law for drivers to get their non-restricted driving privileges back. The driver must be compliant without any violations, missed tests, or incidents of tampering for a full four months.

How Much Does It Cost to Have an Ignition Interlock Removed?

There typically is not a fee or any associated cost with having an ignition interlock device removed from your car. Individual vendors or manufacturers may charge fees associated with their business, but there is no fee required by Washington State law. There may also be fees associated with getting the equipment inspected periodically, serviced, or calibrated.

How Many Interlock Violations Can You Have in WA?

You cannot have any interlock violations in WA during your required installation. In order to get the ignition interlock device removed from your vehicle, you must have 180 consecutive days of compliance. Any violation or instance of failed compliance resets the 180-day countdown. This means you cannot tamper with the device or blow into the device with a BAC of over .025, even once.

If you’re having trouble with ignition interlock device sentencing or compliance, or need advice on your pending case or charges, Peters Associates, LLC, can help. Contact a member of our team. Our qualified attorneys can offer you legal support with your ignition interlock device.