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Charleston Ignition Interlock Lawyers

Charleston Ignition Interlock Lawyer

Fighting to limit the time you’ll need to use an IID after a DUI in Charleston

If you’re convicted of DUI or DUAC in Charleston, you’ll be ordered to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your car or truck with limited exceptions. The best way to avoid an IID order is to not get convicted of drunk driving in the first place. At the Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A., our Charleston IID lawyer helps defendants fight DUI charges. Call today to fight for your freedom and right to drive.

“Remember, an arrest is not a conviction.”    -    Attorney Hough

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What is an ignition interlock device?

An ignition interlock device (IID) is a breath-testing device that is installed on your car, truck, or any other vehicle that you drive.  You must breathe into the IID before you start your car. If you fail the test, your car will not start. While the car is in operation, the IID will also require that you breathe into the IID. You’ll know you failed the test when the lights go on and off and the horn blares – forcing you to stop the car.

IID devices are designed to prevent attempts to bypass the breath test such as by having other sober people blow into the device. Refer to the South Carolina DPPPS Ignition Interlock brochure to learn more.

How much does an IID cost?

Drivers who are ordered to install and use an IID must:

  • Pay for the installation and use of the device.
  • Acknowledge that the IID is equipped with a camera.
  • Remain in the IID program to regain their license.
  • Avoid driving without or tampering with an IID unless they want to suffer severe penalties, including reincarceration.

Under South Carolina law:

The person shall have the device inspected every sixty days to verify that the device is affixed to the motor vehicle and properly operating, and to allow for the preparation of an ignition interlock device inspection report by the service provider indicating the person's alcohol content at each attempt to start and running retest during each sixty-day period. Failure of the person to have the interlock device inspected every sixty days must result in one ignition interlock device point.

You will not be able to obtain a restrictive license until you complete the IID program.

Who must use an ignition interlock device in Charleston?

South Carolina requires that you must use an interlock ignition device if:

  • You are convicted of DUI or DUAC multiple times. The IID requirement is two years for a second offense and three years for a third offense.
  • You’re a first-time offender and your blood alcohol content (BAC) level is .08 or more.
  • You refuse to submit to a breath test after being arrested for a DUI offense.
  • You’re convicted of felony DUI. The IID requirement is three years for great bodily injury and five years if someone dies.

The best way to avoid using an IID is to hire our Charleston criminal defense lawyer. At The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A., we’ll fight to obtain a dismissal or acquittal of the DUI charge and to explain why your license should not be suspended at an Office of Motor Vehicle Hearing (OMVH).

What happens if I don’t pass my IID breath test in Charleston?

The results of your tests, including failures, are tracked in the device itself. If you fail, the device will automatically lock the vehicle and prevent you from driving. In a few minutes, you’ll be asked to test again. This data is collected by the IID company.

The South Carolina IID program uses a violation point system. If you accumulate too many points, more time is added to the length of your original suspension.

The point system works as follows:

  • 5 points. You try to start your car and your BAC is between .02 and .04.
  • 5 points. You try to start your car and your BAC is between .04 and .15.
  • 1 point. You don’t have the IID inspected within 60 days by an approved service center.
  • You fail to finish a “running retest.”
  • 5 points. You tamper with the device.
  • 5 points. The camera images show that you allowed someone else to blow into the IID.
  • 0 points. You try to start your car, and your BAC is .15 or higher.

The time you need to use the interlock ignition device is extended:

  • By two months for between 2 and 3 points.
  • By four months for between 3 and 4 points. You’ll also need to attend a substance abuse evaluation and follow up with education and treatment.
  • By one year for 4 points or more – and you must comply with the evaluation, education, and treatment requirements.

If you drive your car without an IID or have someone else blow into the IID for you in violation of a court order, you can be subject to fines, jail, and lengthier IID requirements.

How do you fight for drivers who must use an ignition interlock device in Charleston?

The best way to contest any IID violation is to avoid the requirement to use the IID. Our Charleston DUI defense lawyer has helped 2,000 DUI defendants during his 30 years of practice. He’s skilled at asserting every defense possible with the aim of preserving your freedom and your right to drive without an IID device.

He also contests IID when any legal or factual defenses apply at an OMVH hearing.

The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A. also aggressively defends clients against other criminal charges, including assault, arson, kidnapping, and charges against college students. We also handle drunk driving defense.

Do you have a Charleston ignition interlock lawyer near me?

The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A. meets clients at our Charleston Office located at 171 Church St #160. We also consult with clients who are in custody, by phone, and through video.

We fight to dismiss DUI charges so you don’t have to worry about using an IID.

1720 Main St. Suite 105
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Phone: (803) 219-2740
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171 Church Street, Suite 160
Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 507-4558
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Speak with a strong Charleston DUI defense attorney now

It’s no day at the beach to have to blow into a machine before you can drive and to have to blow repeatedly while you’re driving. Using an IID for six months or a year is an extreme annoyance.

At The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A., our job is constant. We fight every day to contest drunk driving charges so that you can avoid using an IID. Please call our Charleston IID lawyers or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation and give yourself the best chance to drive without the daily hassle of using an IID.