Eatonton DUI Lawyer

Have you or a loved one been charged with DUI in Eatonton GA? If so, calling our DUI Attorneys in Eatonton should be one of the first steps you take. With over two decades of experience and 5,000 cases resolved, we understand what it takes to receive a favorable outcome in your case. No matter what your goals are for your case, we can help you achieve them. Call now for a free case evaluation.

What is an Ignition Interlock Device?

An ignition interlock device is connected to the ignition of a vehicle and prevents the car from starting if the driver has consumed alcohol. The driver has to blow into the device, and if their breath is over the limit, then the vehicle will not start. In addition to starting the vehicle, most devices require a random sample while driving to ensure that someone else did not start the car for them.

While ignition interlock devices have been used for many years, a new law went into effect on July 1st, 2017, allowing those arrested for DUI to install the device instead of losing their license. In the past, offenders had to file the 30-day letter to request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing to save their license. But as of 2017, drivers can install the device to prevent the suspension as well.

Whether to install the ignition interlock device or request an ALS hearing is a decision not to take lightly. You must discuss this decision with your Eatonton DUI Lawyer before making a choice that could have a drastic impact on your future. If you choose to install the ignition interlock device and your DUI charge is later reduced, you still have to keep the device on your vehicle.

How to Request an Ignition Interlock Device

A person who wishes to use an Interlock Ignition Device must satisfy certain conditions:

• The driver must apply through the DDS for the device within 30 days of their arrest.
• The driver must have a valid Georgia driver's license that is not suspended, revoked, or canceled.
• If the driver holds a CDL license, they must downgrade to a non-commercial license.
• The DUI charge cannot have resulted from an accident that causes serious injury or a fatality.
• The driver cannot have any prior convictions within the previous five years.
• They must pay a $25.00 permit fee.
• Their driver's license must be surrendered before the permit is issued.

The length of time that the device must be in your car varies. The period of time that the driver has to keep the ignition interlock device installed can be up to a year if the driver refused to take a chemical test and just four months if the driver consented to a test. And this period of time could change depending on the outcome of the driver's criminal case.

Once the device is installed, it creates monthly reports that can be reviewed by the probation officer and the court. It records failed tests and can detect attempted tampering with the device. If the reports are reviewed with no issues, then the driver is eligible for a non-ignition interlock limited permit or a full reinstatement of their driving privileges.

Installing an ignition interlock device is a serious decision and one that comes with monthly fees. We urge you to speak with a DUI Lawyer in Eatonton if you are considering installing an IID.

How Much Do Ignition Interlock Devices Cost?

Installing the ignition interlock device requires both an installation fee, rental fee, maintenance charges, and calibration charges. The typical installation price ranges from $100-$200, and the monthly fee is $70-$100.

What Happens if You Do Not Take Action Within 30 Days?

If the driver does not install the device or request the hearing within 30 days, their license will be automatically suspended. The length of time that a driver's license is suspended is usually 120 days if the driver submitted to a chemical test and up to 12 months if the driver refused to take a chemical test. In addition, while a restricted license is available to drivers who took the chemical test, it is not available to those who refused one.

Eatonton Municipal Court

Eatonton GA Municipal Court has jurisdiction over city ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and other misdemeanors, including DUI and shoplifting, that occur within Eatonton city limits. Court is held at 1:00 p.m. at the Putnam County Courthouse located at 100 S. Jefferson Avenue, Eatonton, GA 31024.

Contact Our DUI Attorneys in Eatonton

If you have been arrested for DUI in Eatonton, there is no time to waste. Call our Eatonton DUI Lawyers today so we can get started on your case immediately.