Driving under the influence (DUI) charges are among the most common criminal infractions that occur in Florida. People get arrested for drunk driving after they cause car crashes, during targeted enforcement efforts or when the police have reason to pull them over.
People who plead guilty to a DUI offense could face fines, jail time or lose their license. In some scenarios, the courts will order them to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicles. An IID is a chemical test system that checks your breath for alcohol and will prevent you from starting your vehicle if you test over the limit set.
When is an IID necessary after a Florida DUI?
The circumstances determine the punishment. Not every DUI offense leads to an IID requirement for the driver involved. A first-time offense might only lead to a license suspension and not the need to install an IID, provided that the infraction was within certain limits.
However, if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is over 0.15% at the time of your arrest, then the Florida criminal courts will most likely order you to install an IID after a first drunk driving offense. You will probably need to keep it installed for at least six months.
Those accused of second or subsequent DUI offenses will typically have an IID requirement when they get their license back. The number of prior offenses and the BAC recorded at the time of someone’s arrest will influence how long they must maintain the IID in their vehicle.
If you face a DUI charge, finding out more about defense options will be crucial to minimize the consequences.
