Texas DWI Lawyers Discuss Ignition Interlock Costs

 

Texas DWI Lawyers Discuss Ignition Interlock Costs

Getting arrested for DWI in Texas can be a scary and overwhelming experience. The costs and consequences of a DWI conviction can really add up and take a major toll on your finances, driving privileges, and criminal record. As Texas DWI lawyers, we want to break down the various ignition interlock costs and other expenses you may face if convicted of DWI here in the Lone Star State.

What is an Ignition Interlock Device?

An ignition interlock device (IID) is essentially a breathalyzer that is connected to your vehicle’s ignition system. If you have an IID installed in your car, you have to blow into the device before you can start your engine. The IID will measure your breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) and prevent the car from starting if you are over the legal limit, which is 0.08% BrAC in Texas. Many states, including Texas, require drivers convicted of DWI to have IIDs installed in their vehicles for a certain period of time after their conviction. This is meant to prevent drunk driving recidivism by stopping intoxicated drivers from operating their vehicles.

Who Has to Get an IID in Texas?

Texas law mandates IID installation for the following motorists convicted of DWI:

• First-time DWI offenders with a BAC of 0.15% or higher
• Second-time DWI offenders
• All DWI offenders who were granted an occupational license

Judges also have discretion to order first-time DWI offenders with lower BAC levels to install an IID as a condition of probation. The required IID usage period is at least half of your probation term. For occupational licenses, it’s the entire term of the ODL. Multiple offenders may face lifetime IID requirements in some cases.

How Much Does an Ignition Interlock Device Cost in Texas?

There are a few different costs associated with having an IID installed in Texas:

Installation Fees

You will have to pay installation and deactivation fees to the IID provider. This typically costs around $100-$200 altogether. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) regulates the maximum amounts providers can charge.

Monthly Lease Fees

You will also have to pay a monthly lease for the IID device itself. This runs around $60-$100 per month usually. The lease fees cover maintenance, calibration, data monitoring, and replacement of the device as needed.

Rental Car Fees

If you have to rent a car that already has an IID installed, you may have to pay rental fees of $3-$5 per day for it. This can add up over time.

Other DWI Costs in Texas

Beyond just the IID itself, a DWI conviction comes with many other expensive penalties and costs here in Texas, including:

• Fines – $2,000+ for first DWI, up to $10,000 for third DWI
• Probation fees – $60-$100 per month
• DWI education classes – $75-$150
• License reinstatement fees – $100-$500
• SR-22 insurance premiums – $1,500+ per year
• Towing and impound fees – $200-$500
• Court costs and legal fees – $5,000+ if you hire a lawyer

As you can see, a DWI arrest and conviction is extremely costly. Even first-time offenders in Texas can expect to pay $10,000 or more in ignition interlock costs, fines, fees, and other expenses.

The Benefits of Hiring a DWI Lawyer

With so much on the line, it’s critical to have an experienced DWI lawyer represent you if you’ve been arrested for drunk driving in Texas. A knowledgeable attorney will thoroughly examine the details of your case and build strategic defenses to fight the DWI charges. In many cases, we can get DWI charges reduced or dismissed, saving you from the huge expenses of an ignition interlock device and other penalties. Even if the charges stick, we can often negotiate more favorable outcomes like probation instead of jail time, reduced fines, and a shorter IID requirement. Don’t take any chances with your driving privileges and criminal record – call our Texas DWI defense firm today for a free case evaluation.

Fighting Your DWI Charges

As experienced Texas DWI lawyers, we have helped hundreds of clients avoid convictions after a drunk driving arrest. Here are some of the most effective legal defenses we may use to contest your DWI charges:

Invalid Traffic Stop

If the officer did not have reasonable suspicion to pull you over in the first place, any evidence gathered after that (like field sobriety test results) may be excluded. Lack of probable cause is also grounds for dismissal.

Faulty Breath Test

Breathalyzers can produce inaccurate readings due to improper use, maintenance issues, medical conditions, mouth alcohol, radio frequency interference and other problems. We can challenge dubious BAC results.

Illegal Search & Seizure

Searches and seizures without a warrant or probable cause violate your constitutional rights. Any evidence gathered illegally can be suppressed by a good DWI lawyer.

Violation of Your Rights

If the police did not read you your Miranda rights or let you speak with an attorney, your case could potentially get thrown out.

Why Choose Our Law Firm?

When you’re facing DWI charges that could cost you thousands of dollars, put points on your license, raise your insurance rates and even land you in jail, you need an attorney you can trust. Here’s why you should choose our firm to take on your DWI case in Texas:

• 10+ years successfully defending DWI cases
• Former prosecutors on staff who know the system
• We have recovered millions for injured clients
• Superb 10/10 client ratings online
• We are aggressive and relentless in court
• National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Attorneys
• Upfront, honest legal advice
• We have recovered millions for injured clients

Don’t leave your future up to chance – put our experienced Texas DWI defense lawyers in your corner today. We provide free case evaluations and affordable payment plans. Call or contact us online to discuss your case right away.

Cost of an Ignition Interlock Device in Texas

The cost of an ignition interlock device (IID) in Texas can be quite expensive. And for those convicted of DWI, having an IID installed in your vehicle is mandatory in many cases. Here is a breakdown of the typical costs associated with ignition interlocks in Texas:

Installation Fees – $100-$200

When you first get the IID installed in your car, there will be an upfront installation fee of around $100-$200 paid to the ignition interlock provider. This covers putting the device in your car and calibrating it properly.

Monthly Lease Fees – $70-$120 per month

You will also have to pay a monthly lease fee for as long as you have the IID installed. This covers maintenance, monitoring, data recording and replacement costs. Monthly fees typically range from $70-$120.

Removal Fee – $50-$100

When your required IID usage period ends, you will have to pay a removal fee of around $50-$100 to take it out of your car and stop the monthly monitoring service.

Calibration Costs – $50-$150

The device will need periodic calibration and maintenance, which comes with an additional cost of around $50-$150 depending on your provider.

Replacement Costs – $100-$300

If your IID device breaks or is damaged, replacing it will cost $100-$300 typically.

In total, you can expect to pay $2,000 or more for the entire time period that an ignition interlock device is mandated in your car after a DWI conviction. And those monthly lease fees add up quickly! This is why it’s so important to fight your DWI charges with an experienced attorney.

Avoiding Ignition Interlock Requirements

The best way to avoid having to pay ignition interlock costs in Texas is to fight your DWI charges with a knowledgeable defense lawyer. An attorney may be able to get your charges reduced or dismissed so you don’t end up with a DWI conviction. Even if convicted, we may still be able to negotiate a plea deal to probation instead of an IID order. Some strategies we use include:

• Contesting the legality of your traffic stop
• Challenging errors in breath or blood test procedures
• Disputing the results of faulty field sobriety tests
• Suppressing illegally obtained evidence
• Negotiating plea bargains for probation

Don’t leave it up to chance – retain a top Texas DWI defense attorney to fight for your rights. Call today for a free consultation.