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Ignition Interlock Device

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The Ignition Interlock - Now a Sobering Reality

If you've been charged with either an aggravated DWI or a subsequent DWI offense in New Hampshire, you will have to buy and install an expensive ignition interlock device to monitor your sobriety.

Before igniting your engine, you'll have to blow into the device for a blood alcohol content reading. If you're found to be above the legal blood alcohol level, your car will not start.

This will not matter at first, of course, because your driving privileges will already have been suspended. The ignition interlock amounts to a mandatory 12-month monitoring system once your license to drive is reinstated.

Prior to approval of this bill by New Hampshire's Congress, the ignition interlock device was installed on a case-by-case basis. Repeat or aggressive offenders would receive this sentence after a trial and at the discretion of the judge.

The new law removes the judge's analysis of each case's unique facts, making the ignition interlock device a mandatory component of the DWI sentence in New Hampshire.

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A Problem to Every Solution

Unfortunately, this law ignites a number of cost and consistency issues.

First, the device is expensive to rent, install and calibrate. There is also a series of maintenance fees following installation, which are the responsibility of the individual charged with the DWI offense. Worse, with few device manufacturers, there is too little competition to drive down the price.

Accuracy also remains a critical issue with the device. False positives for illegal blood alcohol level are common -- stranding sober individuals. Lacking consistent accuracy, the device may not be a fair and reasonable solution.

Curbing the incidence of drunk driving is, without question, a necessary action. Keeping us all safe from potentially high-risk drivers is clearly wise. But forcing offenders to buy an expensive and often inaccurate ignition interlock device may not be the best possible answer.

If you've received a DWI in New Hampshire, contact the Russman Law Offices about our DWI and NH criminal defense expertise.

Ryan Russman's DWI Blog

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NH_DWI_Attorney

My name is Ryan Russman. I am a New Hampshire attorney who specializes in drunk driving (DWI/DUI) cases, personal injury law, criminal and estate litigation... more »

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