If a Texas police officer takes you into custody during a traffic stop for suspected drunk driving, you could wind up having your driving privileges restricted, suspended or permanently revoked, depending on the outcome of your case. In some cases, if a court convicts you of driving under the influence of alcohol, the judge might order you to install special equipment in your vehicle. This device would enable you to continue driving, for instance, to and from work each day. The equipment is known as an “interlock ignition device” or IID.
You’re probably familiar with Breathalyzer test devices that police use after making a DUI arrest. You may even have breathed into one following the traffic stop that ultimately led to your arrest. An IID is sort of like a Breathalyzer test device for a vehicle. Your car won’t start unless you breathe into it and get a result that is under the pre-set limit.
Using an IID as you travel
To prevent a driver from being able to get a negative result on an IID then drive somewhere, consume alcohol and drive again, the system is designed so that the driver must periodically retake the test during travel. This is known as a rolling test, and if you register a blood alcohol content of .02 or higher, the device sends a report to your monitoring authority.
You must periodically take your IID device to an approved center to be recalibrated. Otherwise, the results of a breath test may be faulty.
How an IID might fit your case
In some cases, you might be able to install an IID to avoid having your license suspended. Depending on the details of your individual case, you might have to keep the device installed for several months or years. If a judge orders you to install an IID in your vehicle, you are responsible for the expense.
Not all DUI arrests lead to convictions
Just because a Texas police officer arrests you for suspected DUI doesn’t necessarily mean your case will go to trial or that you’ll be convicted or ordered to install an IID in your vehicle. A lot can happen between the time of your arrest and the final decision of the court. If police did not follow proper protocol, the judge might dismiss your case.
It’s also possible that your case can go to trial but prosecutors fail to convince the judge or jury that you are guilty. At any rate, you must be afforded an opportunity to refute criminal charges and are entitled to obtain legal support before proceedings begin.