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Mothers Against Drunk Driving Lobbying for More Ignition Interlock Devices
In Boston, Massachusetts, Mothers Against Drunk Driving is pushing for legislation that requires first time Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offenders to drive with an interlock device system. An interlock device requires drivers to blow into a breathalyzer in order for the automobile to start. If the interlock system detects alcohol in the driver’s system the vehicle will not start.
The Mothers Against Drunk Driving group believes this particular law will reduce the casualties of drunk driving. Mary Kate DePamphilis, a program director for MADD, claims other states have seen a 50% decrease in drunk driving related casualties since implementing an interlock device law. The state of Massachusetts, which does not have interlock legislation in place for first time offenders, saw 120 drunk driving casualties in 2017 and 148 drunk driving casualties in 2016.
Interlock devices have reduced drunk driving fatalities by seven percent in participating states. Currently 32 states require an interlock system to be installed if an individual’s BAC is .08 or higher.
What are Michigan’s Ignition Interlock Laws?
A person convicted of operating while intoxicated with a high BAC (.17 or over) must have an ignition interlock with a restricted license for a period of one year following a 45 day license suspension.
Other people convicted of non-high BAC operating while intoxicated offenses may still be ordered by a court to use an ignition interlock device. However, this is not a mandatory sanction by the Secretary of State.
Two OWI convictions within seven years results in a revocation of the driver’s license, meaning no driving privileges whatsoever. After one year of revocation a person can apply for a license. The first step for that person is an ignition interlock in the car for at least one year if they are successful in getting a license.
If the ignition interlock system is tampered with or the system detects alcohol or is tampered with there can be another revocation of the license.
ArborYpsi Law Takeaways
Interlock systems have and will continue to save lives. While drinking and driving is a dangerous habit the interlock systems are put into place to allow first and repeat offenders to continue with their day-to-day life. Driving under the influence offenders have jobs they have to travel to in the morning. They have children and family that they need to transport to and from school and other activities. The interlock systems, while they are pricey and inconvenient, give DUI offenders the opportunity to continue to drive safely.
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Call Sam Bernstein at 734-883-9584 or e-mail at bernstein@arborypsilaw.com.
ArborYpsi Law is located at 2750 Carpenter Rd #2 Ann Arbor, MI 48108.
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All We Do is Criminal Defense
Sam Bernstein is a criminal defense attorney in Ann Arbor, MI. He has represented clients in Washtenaw, Wayne, Livingston, Oakland, Lenawee and Jackson County. He has practiced criminal defense in Ypsilanti, Novi, Plymouth, Westland, Livonia, Ann Arbor, Saline, Chelsea, Jackson, Dexter, Brighton, Howell, and Wyandotte among other Metro-Detroit cities.
If you have been charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) call attorney Sam Bernstein. At ArborYpsi Law we hold no judgement for DUI offenders. Our goal is to obtain the best possible outcome for our clients. Drinking and driving can greatly alter an individual’s life, especially if a license if revoked. We want our clients to keep their jobs and be functional members in their families and communities. In order to do that we will fight for you regarding your DUI or DWI charge.
Sam Bernstein is a Washtenaw criminal defense attorney that represents clients charged with sexual assault, drug possesion, expungements, domestic violence, sex crimes, childhood endangerment, child abuse, diviorce, rape, driving under the influence, driving while intoxicated, traffic tickets, retail fraud, and assault and battery.