The National Trial Lawyers - Top 100 Trial Lawyers
BBB Accredited Business
The National Trial Lawyers - Top 40 Under 40
AV Preeminent badge
The National Trial Lawyers - Top 100 Trial Lawyers
National Association of Distinguished Counsel
USCCA Critical Response team
LawyerCentral.com Featured Lawyer badge
Avvo Rating 10.0 Superb badge
Avvo Client's Choice 2014
USCCA badge
Certified badge
Best DUI Attorney - Top Rated badge
10 Best badge
Expertise.com badge

Ignition Interlock Devices

Westchester County Lawyers Providing Legal Assistance to Drivers Facing DWI Charges

In New York, drivers are subject to harsh penalties if convicted of a crime for driving while intoxicated (DWI), including court mandated installation of ignition interlock devices. While these devices are effective in preventing drunk driving, they can cause considerable expense, aggravation, and a lack of privacy for the driver. At Tilem & Associates, we can address any concerns you may have regarding court-ordered ignition interlock devices. With over 25 years of combined legal experience, our Westchester County DWI attorneys have provided unwavering defense representation to many people facing drunk driving charges in the New York City area.

New York Ignition Interlock Devices

An ignition interlock device measures the alcohol content in the breath of a driver. It is directly connected to the ignition system of a motor vehicle. The device prevents the engine from starting until it registers a breath sample with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) lower than .025 percent. Therefore, a driver of a vehicle installed with an ignition interlock device must exhale into a mouthpiece and provide an acceptable BAC before starting the vehicle each time. In addition, the ignition interlock device requires subsequent breath samples at random intervals after the engine has started. If the breath sample is not provided, or if the BAC level registers .025 percent or higher, the device will emit a warning followed by an alarm that will sound until the driver turns off the engine or provides an acceptable breath sample.

Under Leandra’s law, the court must order anyone convicted of a misdemeanor or felony DWI offense in New York to install and maintain an ignition interlock device on each vehicle that they own or operate. Even first-time DWI offenders are subject to the ignition interlock requirement if convicted. The ignition interlock requirement is in addition to any other penalties imposed for driving while intoxicated. Consequently, defending against a drunk driving charge can be crucial to avoid a conviction and ignition interlock device installation.

The court will typically impose an ignition interlock device requirement for a period of one year or longer following a DWI conviction. In some cases, the driver may petition the court for removal of the ignition interlock devices after it has been maintained on their vehicle for at least six months. The driver is responsible for the costs to install and remove the ignition interlock device, as well as payment of monthly monitoring fees, unless the court waives the cost due to financial unaffordability. Under a limited exception, qualifying drivers may seek approval to drive their employer’s vehicle without an ignition interlock device during the course of their employment. In most circumstances, however, driving a vehicle without an ignition interlock device in violation of a court order is a misdemeanor offense in New York.

Ignition interlock devices are sophisticated pieces of equipment, capable of monitoring and recording a significant amount of information. Most of these devices are equipped with a built-in camera or integrated facial recognition technology to confirm the identity of the person providing the breath sample. Depending on the classification requirements, the device may also be able to maintain a record of BAC measurements, provide GPS positioning of the vehicle, report real-time data to emergency responders, and more. An experienced DWI lawyer can explain these features in detail and inform you of the requirements in your particular situation.

It is not uncommon for those with ignition interlock devices installed to register an occasional false positive. These false positives can result in additional Court appearances and potential sanctions from the Court. If you are contacted about a false positive or if you are directed to go to Court about a positive ignition interlock device test it is important to contact an attorney immediately.

Consult a Westchester County Attorney Following a DWI Arrest

Avoiding installation of ignition interlock devices begins with fighting a DWI charge. At Tilem & Associates, our Westchester County lawyers are dedicated to providing a strong defense to each and every client, seeking to have charges reduced or dropped whenever possible. We can represent people residing throughout Bronx, Queens, Nassau, Kings, Suffolk, Rockland, Richmond, and Putnam Counties. Request a free consultation to discuss any criminal law matter by calling Tilem & Associates at 877-377-8666 or submitting our contact form online.

Client Reviews

Thank you again for discussing my case with today. I can not stress enough how impressed I am with your services as an attorney. You have gone above and beyond the call of duty to attempt to help me. Thank you again and best wishes.

Rob

I am writing to send you my heartfelt thanks for your work on my father’s case. You are a wonderful attorney. I was very impressed by you from our first meeting. I am so grateful we were referred to you. If I can ever be of help in providing a reference or anything else, please let me know.

Joanna

I wanted to first say thank you for everything you have done for me in the last several months. You made this very difficult ordeal in my life less stressful and easier to bear. I am grateful for having you as my attorney and I truly feel that you helped me above my expectations. I appreciate...

W.S.

Contact Us

  1. 1 Free Consultation
  2. 2 Available 24/7
  3. 3 Over 25 Years Experience
Fill out the contact form or call us at 877-377-8666 to schedule your free consultation.

Leave Us a Message

Online Payments Available

Pre-Paid Legal Service for Gun Owners