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Interlock Device Use Up 75%

Because of a new law that requires all DUI offenders get an ignition interlock device on their vehicle once convicted of DUI, the number of Virginia drivers with this device has increased 75% from the previous year. About 8,500 drivers had to add this device to any car they drive in the 11 months since this new law was enacted. For a Fairfax DUI attorney, this makes Virginia's interlock device some of the toughest in the nation.

Fairfax DUI Attorney and Criticism of This Law

Proponents of this law hailed its passage a major victory in reducing injury from drunk drivers. They point to studies that show repeat offenses for DUI recidivism dropped by approximately 67% when these devices were required. This evidence, they say, is enough to make an interlock requirement a good idea.

Fairfax DUI attorneys worry, however, that there will be unintended consequences. They worry about the following:

  • Disproportionate effect of the interlock fee on low income clients
  • Overburdening the state with the paperwork for this interlock device
  • Overworking the courts because now more DUI cases will go to trial

This device costs approximately $480 for six months of installation, so one Fairfax DUI attorney worried that instead of getting their license back by paying this fee and installing the device, low income people would simply drive without a license. And because of the approximately 18,000 people who will now be required to have these devices, they worry that the state will not be able to handle the increased workload.

Similarly, more attorneys will take the case to trial to attempt to beat the charges because the interlock device requirement is so onerous. Instead of allowing a judge discretion in sentencing, this law ties their hands when it comes time to hand down a sentence.

If you have been charged with a DUI in Fairfax County, the penalties have significantly increased. A Fairfax DUI attorney will fight these charges and help you keep your driving privileges.

Areas Served by the Law Firm

The law office serves clients throughout Virginia including those in the following localities: Fairfax City; Fairfax County including Annandale, Burke, Centreville, Herndon, and Vienna; the City of Alexandria; Arlington County including Arlington; the City of Falls Church; Augusta County, including Staunton; Fauquier County including Warrenton; Frederick County including Winchester; the City of Fredericksburg; Loudoun County including Ashburn and Leesburg; Clarke County, including Berryville; Fluvanna County, including Palmyra, Prince William County including Occoquan, Triangle, Quantico, Woodbridge, Dumfries, Haymarket, and Manassas; Spotsylvania County including Lake Wilderness and Spotsylvania Courthouse; Stafford County including Stafford, Aquia Harbour, and Falmouth; Warren County including Front Royal; Shenandoah County, including Woodstock; Rappahannock County, including Washington; Madison County; Greene County, including Stanardsville; Fluvanna County, including Palmyra; Caroline County, including Bowling Green; Hanover County; King and Queen County; New Kent County; City of Hopewell; Prince George County; York County, including Yorktown; Chesterfield County; Henrico County; Westmoreland County, including Montross; King George County; Greensville County, including Emporia; Prince George's County; and Sussex County.

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