Ignition Interlock Devices in Cadiz, Ohio

If you are a repeat offender of OVI/DUI in Harrison County and have faced multiple charges, you are likely at risk of losing your driving privileges. Even if you are not completely stripped of your ability to drive, certain restrictions and protocols will be imposed. One common requirement is the installation of a Guardian Interlock Device. This device, installed on your vehicle dashboard per court order, requires the driver to blow into it before starting the car. It checks for the presence of alcohol in your breath and determines whether you can operate the vehicle.

Driving with penalties like an ignition interlock device or a yellow number plate is certainly an overwhelming experience. If you or someone you care about has been charged with DUI/OVI in Harrison County, consulting a Cadiz criminal lawyer is crucial to avoid or mitigate these consequences.

At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we take the time to understand your case carefully and offer resolutions tailored for your needs. Our legal team will work diligently to ensure you avoid the inconveniences of installing such devices and other penalties. Here’s what you need to know about ignition interlock devices and how they operate.

How Does It Work?

For those ordered to use a Guardian Interlock Device, you’ll be required to cover a monthly maintenance fee of $100, in addition to the initial cost for installation. Here’s how the device functions:

• It checks the driver’s breath for alcohol before allowing the vehicle to start. The device is designed not to permit operation if the BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) level registers higher than 0.2.
• To prevent offenders from tricking the device by using another person to blow into it, the system requires periodic breath tests while the vehicle is in operation.
• If a high BAC level is detected during a subsequent test, the device activates warnings, such as flashing lights and an alarm-like horn, to signal other drivers and draw attention. Contrary to popular belief, the interlock device does not shut off the engine for safety reasons, but it does provide alerts to others on the road.
• It maintains a detailed log, tracking:
• Each attempt to start the vehicle
• Test results for initial and periodic breath samples
• Attempts at tampering with the device

By complying with these systems, offenders can demonstrate accountability. However, our dedicated Cadiz OVI lawyer can work to help you avoid such strict penalties in the first place.

Use of Restrictive Plates in Ohio

Introduced under Senate Bill 123, restrictive yellow license plates—commonly referred to as the “scarlet letter”—have been in effect since January 1, 2004, for DUI/OVI convictions. Drivers with these plates are easily identifiable, as they replace normal plates with yellow ones featuring bold red lettering. Here’s what to know about restrictive plates:

• First-Time Offenders: Generally, the use of these plates is optional for first-time offenders.
• Repeat or High-Tier Offenders: For repeat offenders or high-tier offenders, issuing restrictive plates becomes mandatory.

Restrictive plates are often issued to offenders requesting limited driving privileges while their license remains suspended. Although these plates allow limited driving, they can carry a stigma. Consulting an experienced Cadiz traffic ticket lawyer is essential to avoid the visibility and social impact of this penalty.

At the Youngstown Criminal Law Group, our goal is to minimize these penalties and help you maintain your privacy and dignity amidst challenging circumstances.

Consult a Cadiz OVI Lawyer

Facing an OVI or related offense in Harrison County can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. A qualified Cadiz criminal lawyer will listen closely to your situation and devise legal strategies to safeguard your rights.

Call us at Youngstown Criminal Law Group today (330) 992-3036 for a free consultation. Our team of skilled attorneys, including dedicated lawyers, will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your case.