Ignition Interlock Devices in New Castle, Ohio

If you have been charged with multiple OVI/DUI offenses, you are more likely to lose your driving privileges. Even if you don’t lose them entirely, you will probably face certain driving restrictions. One common restriction is the mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device, such as a Guardian Interlock Device. Following a court order, you would need to install this device on your car’s dashboard. To start the vehicle, the driver must blow into it. The device then checks for the presence of alcohol in your breath.

When driving in Ohio, you want to avoid harsh penalties like installing an Ignition Interlock Device or being forced to use a yellow number plate. If you or a loved one faces a DUI charge, hiring a New Castle criminal lawyer immediately is crucial to help prevent these outcomes. At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, our legal team ensures your case is heard carefully, offering the best possible resolution. We will work to help you or your loved one avoid having to install such a device. However, it’s important to understand how these systems function.

How Does It Work?

For Guardian Interlock Devices, there is typically a monthly maintenance fee of around $100, in addition to the initial installation cost. The device is designed so that the vehicle will not start if the driver’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is higher than 0.02 when they breathe into it. To prevent someone sober from starting the car for the driver, the device requires frequent, subsequent breath tests every few minutes after driving begins. If the device detects a high BAC at any point, the vehicle’s lights will flash, and the horn will sound an alarm. A New Castle DUI lawyer can provide further details on these requirements.

A common misconception is that the device will immediately shut off the engine to stop drunk driving. This is incorrect. The Guardian Interlock Device can prevent the engine from starting, but it cannot stop it once it’s running. The alarm system, which uses the horn, is designed to draw attention on the road, alerting other drivers to stay clear. The device also maintains a log that records the BAC level every time the person drives, which helps monitor compliance. A skilled New Castle criminal lawyer can help you navigate these complex regulations. This device will track the following details:

• Every attempt to start the vehicle
• The result of each breath test
• The results of all subsequent tests
• Any attempts made to tamper with the machine

Use of Restrictive Plates in Ohio

Senate Bill 123 introduced the restrictive plate, sometimes called the “scarlet letter,” for OVI/DUI charges. Effective from January 1, 2004, judges have been given specific regulations regarding the use of these yellow restrictive plates. An offender must replace their standard number plate with a yellow plate featuring red lettering. This plate serves as a visible sign of driving privileges for someone convicted of a DUI/OVI. For first-time offenders, this plate may be optional. However, for repeat offenders or those with a high-tier offense, installing the restrictive plate is often mandatory. To avoid these consequences, it is vital to connect with a New Castle DUI lawyer.

Restrictive plates are typically issued when an offender requests driving privileges while their license is suspended. The role of an experienced criminal lawyer is to try to prevent this outcome entirely, so you are not stigmatized by the offense.

Consult a New Castle OVI Lawyer

A New Castle criminal lawyer will diligently review your case to ensure you receive the justice you deserve. Call us at (330) 992-3036 today for a free case review.