Minnesota DWI ignition interlock devices
Here is an interesting article about ignition interlock devices in Minnesota DUI cases.
DWI device can prevent motorists from driving drunk | Duluth News Tribune | Duluth, Minnesota: "A Twin Cities area defense attorney/businessman was in Duluth Friday to show how a potentially deadly weapon can be taken out of the hands of the intoxicated.
Attorney Edward Cohen Jr., vice president of Smart Start MN of Golden Valley, demonstrated his company’s ‘vehicle ignition interlock’ to a group of corrections officials, a representative of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and others who work with convicted drunken drivers.
The breath-testing device prevents a car from starting if it registers above a pre-set alcohol level when the driver blows and hums into a sensing unit. The technology has become more sophisticated and harder to beat than other ignition locks. It includes a camera to make sure the person who is required to use it is the person blowing into it, and not a sober buddy recruited to try to beat the system.
The device also requires a driver to do ‘rolling tests’’ at random intervals to make sure the driver doesn’t start drinking after getting the car started. The unit will record a violation if alcohol is detected or if the driver doesn’t perform the rolling test.
‘When you’re working in any type of corrections or with people in recovery, the more tools you have in the tool box the better chance you have to help people be successful,’’ said Dennis Cummings, director of the Duluth Bethel Center, which provides chemical dependency services."
Many DUI defense lawyers rant and rail against ignition interlock devices as being invasive and reactionary. However, I have personally seen repeat offenses where the person got a first DUI, and then didn't get an interlock device, and then got another DUI shortly thereafter. I have actually had clients tell me they wished that they had been required to install one on their vehicle after their first DUI conviction, as it would have prevented their second. Now, Arizona DUI law mandates that everybody convicted of a DUI get one for a year. I have seen people get second offense DUI arrests literally days after fulfilling their ignition interlock requirement and having the device removed.
Ignition interlock devices are bad for business if you are a DUI defense lawyer, unless or course, you also happen to own an interlock company. But I don't disagree with MADD on this one. The fact is, ignition interlock devices prevent people from easily getting DUIs, and probably save lives.
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