Ignition Lock May Be Forced on First-Time Drunk Drivers
If Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Assembly Member Mike Feuer (D-LA) have their way, anyone convicted of driving drunk in California -- including first-time offenders -- will have to install an alcohol ignition interlock on their vehicle. A hearing on the pending legislation (A.B. 2784) will be conducted by the Public Safety Committee tomorrow. MADD's California Executive Director Matthias Mendezona and local drunk driving victims are scheduled to testify.
More than 1,276 people were killed on California roads by drunk drivers in 2006. Driving under the influence (DUI) is the nation's most frequently committed violent crime, say advocates for the ignition lock legislation. They say the devices are 90% effective at reducing repeat offenses of drunk driving and significantly decrease the number of deaths and injuries caused by drunk drivers.
Approximately 1.5 million drivers each year are charged with DUI of DWI (Driving While Intoxicated). For many Californians, a charge of DUI or DWI is their first criminal charge. An arrest for drunk driving can have serious consequences, including heavy fees and fines, loss of driving privileges and jail time.
If you are stopped for drunk driving, either DUI or DWI, it is important to understand the legal process. In California, a charge of drunk driving results in both a criminal case and a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) case. Both must be addressed with speed and legal expertise.
- DMW charge. You have 10 days to request a DMV hearing or your license will be automatically suspended.
- Criminal DUI or DWI charge. Driving with a blood-alcohol level over .08% is a DUI offense. Depending on the circumstances, if convicted you may face jail time, fines, alcohol education classes, community service, impounding of your vehicle, installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. Any combination or all of these penalties may be imposed by the court.
