Earlier this year, the Arizona State Legislature passed SB 1200. SB 1200 deals with Arizona DUI enforcement and consequences. One of the most talked about provisions of SB 1200 is the limiting of the mandatory ignition interlock device usage from one year (the current law) to six (6) months on 1st offense non-extreme DUIs in Arizona. This is good news becauseof the cost and stress often associated with the mandated use of ignition interlock devices, and the questionable science regarding their efficacy.
Unfortunately, that provision of the bill will not go into effect until January 1, 2012, and the new rule regarding the ignition interlock device will only be applicable to people arrested for DUI in Arizona in the year 2012 and later.
So, if you already have an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle from a DUI conviction, or are alleged to have been Driving Under the Influence in 2011, then you will not benefit from the law change, and will be subject to the current one year ignition interlock punishment. You will thus not be able to remove your device early (at the six monthmark), nor would you benefit from the lower time period.
The best way to attempt to avoid the mandatory installation and usage of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle is to hire a competent Arizona DUI defense attorney to represent you, and either negotiate your DUI case to a non-DUI or win it outright.
