If a license is suspended after having an ignition interlock and I get arrested for driving, is it driving on a suspended?

Asked 4 months ago - Salem, MA

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My brother is being charged with driving without an ignition interlock . He had 2 IUDs over 12 years ago and a little over a year ago he received a license with the Z restriction requiring him to have the ignition interlock . A few months later he returned the ignition interlock because he no longer had access to the car it was installed in . He voluntarily returned it and the RM suspended his license . A few months ago he was arrested for driving . They are charging him for driving without an ignition interlock which is a felony carrying a mandatory 6 month jail sentence and up to 2 ½ years with a mandatory time served of 150 days . Heretics the question , because his license was suspended , wouldn't the charges need to be Driving on a Suspended and not Driving without the Interlock ?

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Attorney answers (3)

  1. Licensed in MA

    Worcester DUI / DWI Attorney
    Contributor Level 14

    7

    Lawyers agree

    Answered February 20, 2013 11:38. He could be charged with both! His license was suspended for not having a vehicle with an interlock and he drove in a vehicle without an interlock. These, as you know, are very serious charges and he needs to retain an attorney as soon as possible to help him. Good luck.

    Providing users with information is not intended to create an attorney/client relationship. However, if in... more
  2. Licensed in MA

    Boston Criminal Defense Attorney
    Contributor Level 11

    7

    Lawyers agree

    Answered February 20, 2013 12:07. Driving without an interlock ignition device is a MUCH more serious offense than just driving with a suspended license. If he has two OUI convictions (or CWOFs) then he is required to install the IID on ANY car he operates. The fact that he returned the IID does not then give him the right to operate another car, unless he had his license reinstated by the RMV AND that car had the IID. He's looking at mandatory jail time for this felony, and needs to hiring a lawyer ASAP.

  3. Licensed in MA

    Boston DUI / DWI Attorney
    Contributor Level 13

    6

    Lawyers agree

    Answered February 20, 2013 12:58. The fact that your brother drove without a valid license, coupled with the fact that his license was suspended because he returned his IID, warrant a charge of "driving w/o an IID". He was required to have an IID installed in any car he operated even when he had a valid license. He can now be charged with two crimes; driving with a suspended license and driving w/o an IID.

    Consult with and hire a Criminal Defense Attorney ASAP. The attorney would need to review all pertinent facts and circumstances to come up with a meaningful defense (if any) and to represent him. Do not wait until the next court date to hire one as this puts the attorney at a disadvantage.

    Hope this helps and best of luck.

    Law Office of Ilir Kavaja
    30 Newbury Street
    Boston, MA 02116

    (617) 515-5545
    www.KavajaLaw.com

    The above is NOT legal advice, and is NOT intended to be legal advice. No Attorney-Client relationship is created... more

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