Stuck in DUI Purgatory? How Long You're Married to the Breathalyzer Beast (California Edition)
Ah, the glorious ignition interlock device (IID). The fun little gadget that's become your new best friend... well, sort of like that annoying friend who forces you to chug water before hitting the bar. If you've found yourself on the wrong side of a DUI in California, you might be wondering: "Just how long do I get to enjoy this lovely contraption's company?" Buckle up, buttercup, because the answer depends on a few factors that are about as fun as a flat tire on a road trip.
The Not-So-Happy Hour Meter: How Many DUIs You've Racked Up
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First Offense: Here, you get a choice, my friend! Six months of wedded bliss with the IID and you can drive anywhere, anytime. Or, you can opt for a year-long restricted license that basically says "work, school, and AA meetings only, pal." The choice is yours, but choose wisely, grasshopper.
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Second Offense: Uh oh. Looks like you and the breathalyzer are getting a year-long commitment. Twelve months of blowing clean to get behind the wheel.
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Third Offense and Beyond: Yeah, this isn't looking good. At this point, the state is taking the keys away for a while. You're looking at 18 months to 3 years with the IID depending on how many times you've tangoed with the DUI fairy.
Important Note: These are the general guidelines. There can be additional factors that affect your IID sentence, so consult with an attorney to get the specifics on your situation. They'll be your knight in shining armor, minus the shiny armor (lawyers are expensive).
Pro-Tip: Don't Be That Guy Who Tries to Fool the Machine
We've all seen the movies. Maybe you think you can down some mouthwash or shove a breath mint in there. Let me tell you something, my friend: the IID is like a disappointed parent; it can smell your desperation a mile away. Trying to bypass the system will only land you in more hot water. Just. Don't. Do. It.
The Light at the End of the Tunnel (Assuming You Haven't Blew a Red Light)
So, there you have it. The not-so-fun facts about how long you'll be sporting the IID. The good news? This is a temporary situation. Once your time is up, you can ditch the device and (hopefully) get back to driving freely.
In the meantime, use this as a learning experience. Maybe find a new designated driver, or better yet, discover the wonders of public transportation (they even have apps for that these days!). Look on the bright side, at least you're getting plenty of practice blowing up balloons... metaphorically speaking, of course.
