Do Not Tamper With Your Ignition Interlock Device

Recently a person here in Harris County was looking for a DWI Attorney in Houston.  This individual was a hardworking man who was genuinely concerned about money.  He had been placed on probation for DWI and one of the conditions required him to place an ignition interlock device in his vehicle.  Even though this cost him about $75 a month, he had to do it because it was ordered by the judge.Recently a person here in Harris County was looking for a DWI Attorney in Houston.  This individual was a hardworking man who was genuinely concerned about money.  He had been placed on probation for DWI and one of the conditions required him to place an ignition interlock device in his vehicle.  Even though this cost him about $75 a month, he had to do it because it was ordered by the judge.

This individual signed a paper regarding this interlock device that had a few rules that he had to follow.  Basically he could only operate a vehicle that was equipped with this device, he had to take the device in for monthly maintenance, and he was not allowed to tamper with the device or circumvent the system.

Well this person happened to be a mechanic, and he knew all the ins and outs of vehicles and machinery in general.  He was having many problems with the interlock device that they had placed in his car.  Sometimes it wouldn’t work, it would beep and make funny noises, and one time in particular it left him stranded.  He was at a store and when he got to his vehicle the machine would not work.  Since the machine wouldn’t work, the car wouldn’t turn on.  So what he decided to do was use his knowledge to take the machine apart and drive to the company so they could fix it.

He drove to the company, told them what happened, and they installed a new one.  What they didn’t tell him was that they were going to report him to the court for tampering with the device.  The next thing he knew, he was back in court dealing with a motion to revoke his probation based on him tampering with the interlock.

This obviously doesn’t seem fair, and it’s not, but he could have handled it another way.  He was concerned that if he told the company they would have to tow the car and that would cost him money, but he should have at least called.  By not calling anyone it hurt his case, and called into question what really happened.

Now this person ended up hiring another DWI Lawyer in Houston, so I don’t know what happened, but I am hoping that they reinstated his probation.  But it is a good reminder to follow the rules.  As dumb as they may be at times, it is your life and your liberty on the line.  If anything like this happens to you, or if you have any questions before you make a decision similar to his, just consult with your Houston DWI Attorney.  There is a very good chance that your attorney has seen someone with a problem very similar to yours and can help.

This individual signed a paper regarding this interlock device that had a few rules that he had to follow.  Basically he could only operate a vehicle that was equipped with this device, he had to take the device in for monthly maintenance, and he was not allowed to tamper with the device or circumvent the system.

Well this person happened to be a mechanic, and he knew all the ins and outs of vehicles and machinery in general.  He was having many problems with the interlock device that they had placed in his car.  Sometimes it wouldn’t work, it would beep and make funny noises, and one time in particular it left him stranded.  He was at a store and when he got to his vehicle the machine would not work.  Since the machine wouldn’t work, the car wouldn’t turn on.  So what he decided to do was use his knowledge to take the machine apart and drive to the company so they could fix it.

He drove to the company, told them what happened, and they installed a new one.  What they didn’t tell him was that they were going to report him to the court for tampering with the device.  The next thing he knew, he was back in court dealing with a motion to revoke his probation based on him tampering with the interlock.

This obviously doesn’t seem fair, and it’s not, but he could have handled it another way.  He was concerned that if he told the company they would have to tow the car and that would cost him money, but he should have at least called.  By not calling anyone it hurt his case, and called into question what really happened.

Now this person ended up hiring another DWI Lawyer in Houston, so I don’t know what happened, but I am hoping that they reinstated his probation.  But it is a good reminder to follow the rules.  As dumb as they may be at times, it is your life and your liberty on the line.  If anything like this happens to you, or if you have any questions before you make a decision similar to his, just consult with your Houston DWI Attorney.  There is a very good chance that your attorney has seen someone with a problem very similar to yours and can help.

Eric Benavides
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One thought on “Do Not Tamper With Your Ignition Interlock Device

  1. I absolutely love your blog.. Pleasant colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself?

    Please reply back as I’m trying to create my very own website and want to
    know where you got this from or what the theme is named.
    Thank you!

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