The penalties assessed for a Georgia driving under the influence (DUI) charge that results in a conviction range from frustrating and inconvenient to life-altering. Incarceration can obviously cost someone their career and potentially also traumatize them. Large fines can put someone at a financial disadvantage that they struggle for years to overcome.
Losing a license could cost someone their job or affect their custody arrangements if they have children. Suspension is not the only driving-related penalty imposed by the courts. Sometimes, the state will require that those convicted of a DUI offense install an ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicle. These drivers have to pay as many as three separate fees for the installation and maintenance of an IID in their vehicle. When does a Georgia DUI conviction result in the mandated installation of an IID in someone’s vehicle?
Repeat offenses will lead to an IID requirement
The penalties imposed for a DUI are largely left to the discretion of the judge. The mandated installation of an IID is typically the result of a second or subsequent DUI conviction. Usually, the offenses will need to occur in a relatively short amount of time. A second DUI within five years of someone’s first DUI conviction could lead to a requirement to install an IID in their vehicle.
They will have to pay to have the device installed and maintained, and they could get arrested and face additional consequences if they get caught driving a vehicle without an IID installed while the requirement is still in effect. Many people find IIDs to be embarrassing, as they will have to perform a breath test every time they start their vehicle.
However, successfully adhering to IID requirements will establish a record of someone driving while sober and can help cement safer driving practices for someone with more than one DUI conviction on their record. The only way to ensure that someone doesn’t end up forced to install an IID in their vehicle is to avoid a first or second DUI conviction.
Defending against DUI charges is typically the best option for those accused of impaired driving in Georgia if they hope to minimize the penalties they face or avoid specific consequences, like an IID requirement.
