Virginia is quickly becoming one of the toughest states in the region for penalties for drunk driving. In July first-time DUI arrests and convictions will mean Virginia residents will have to install an ignition-interlock device. This device would prevent them from driving their vehicles with blood alcohol content of 0.02 and above. This is if the judge allows the drivers to drive to work on a restricted license.
If the person is granted a license to drive to work, they must pay hundreds of dollars to a vendor to have the device installed. For some people, their paychecks might only be a few hundred dollars. If someone is unable to install the device after their first DUI offense, they may be unable to drive.
If a person isn't able to drive, even to work, because they can't afford the ignition-interlock device, they might lose their job, be unable to attend their child's sporting events, or drive to other things that the court would allow. This means only those who can afford to pay for the ignition interlock device will be able to continue going to work and their kid's sporting events.
In the past, some laws would allow a judge to waive the fee for those who couldn't afford to take a mandatory class, but the new DUI law in Virginia doesn't allow for fees to be waived. If someone finds themselves in this situation, they may want to speak with a DUI defense attorney who can help fight for your rights.
Source: The Washington Post, "Is Va.'s ignition-interlock rule for first-time DUI offenders too tough?," Justin Jouvenal, April 8, 2012
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