Hi, I'm looking for help regarding an ignition interlock. I live in Maryland and got a DUI back in October 2009. I was informed that the MVA was giving me the choice of either having my license suspended for 3 months or taking an Ignition Interlock for a year. At the time I was under the impression that as long as I didn't drink and drive I would have no problems with the interlock and opted for that choice after my MVA hearing in February 2010. For the first few months I had no problems and then in early April my battery died and I was informed that that would be considered a violation of the program unless I sent in a receipt showing a reason for the power-outage. My interlock provider suggested that I get a new battery. I did that and sent in the receipt and the MVA cleared it. Well, on June 1 my battery died again. This time I took it to a mechanic that "fixed" the problem, once again I sent in my receipt and the MVA passed it. Well last week I had more problems with my interlock it seemed to be itself malfunctioning and I took it to the service provider who insisted that there is nothing wrong with the device so I took it to another mechanic that replaced the terminals, checked the battery and alternator, and did a parasitic draw test. He is a mechanic my family has gone to for years and he assured me that if there were any further problems it would have to be with the interlock itself. I sent my receipt in a few days ago and am still waiting to hear from the MVA but tonight it happened once again and I don't know what to do anymore.
My lawyer has basically told me that he can't do very much unless the MVA actually suspend my license at which point he can get them to allow me to continue in the interlock program, but as far as I can tell my vehicle (which is 14 years old) can simply not handle the extra draw of the interlock and I don't know what to do. I have completely quit drinking but I still am living a nightmare. Does anyone know if there is anything I can do about this short of losing my license for three months? I'm desperate for help. I know I did a horrible thing by drinking and driving and I've done all I can to repay my debt and live life as good person, but this program is threatening to destroy my life. I work 30 hours a week and am a fulltime college student. I recently entered a relationship that is very important to me, but my girlfriend lives very far away and I'm so scared of losing her. I know none of these things are excuses for me to not be punished for my crime but I am begging for anyone with experience in this area to help me. Thank and God bless you.
My lawyer has basically told me that he can't do very much unless the MVA actually suspend my license at which point he can get them to allow me to continue in the interlock program, but as far as I can tell my vehicle (which is 14 years old) can simply not handle the extra draw of the interlock and I don't know what to do. I have completely quit drinking but I still am living a nightmare. Does anyone know if there is anything I can do about this short of losing my license for three months? I'm desperate for help. I know I did a horrible thing by drinking and driving and I've done all I can to repay my debt and live life as good person, but this program is threatening to destroy my life. I work 30 hours a week and am a fulltime college student. I recently entered a relationship that is very important to me, but my girlfriend lives very far away and I'm so scared of losing her. I know none of these things are excuses for me to not be punished for my crime but I am begging for anyone with experience in this area to help me. Thank and God bless you.