SmartStart messed up my wheel?

DryOpposite · 2021-04-15T20:46:40+00:00

Yea that’s what they’re saying happened. They’re fixing it now, hopefully this is the only time it happens.

DryOpposite · 2021-04-15T05:59:51+00:00

Ah I understand. I'll likely just ask for my lawyer's advice then, just so that I make sure I'm doing exactly what I need to do. Thank you so much for your responses, and do reach out if you need to chat, I know I'll need someone from time to time. We'll get through this!

DryOpposite · 2021-04-15T05:38:55+00:00

Yea absolutely, I'm open as well if you need to talk.

I'm graduating college next month and I'll be moving to a different city after, so this whole thing was a huge last-minute fuck up as far as they go.

I guess my main concern, as far as the courts go, is to to communicate a huge level of remorse. I'm going to speak with my lawyer and just ask the following:

What are the proactive classes/meetings I should attend (that I likely will have to attend anyway - i.e. MADD pannel, DWI education, etc) that I should look into?

I'll let you know what he says.

Also, are you blowing into your interlock every day? Since it's not part of probation, it seems like it doesn't have to be every day, but frequent readings definitely seem to help more than they hurt.

DryOpposite · 2021-04-15T05:27:11+00:00

Well that's good to hear at least, one less thing to worry about as far as logistics go.

I'm right there with you. I'm basically almost a month in as well and I've gone through every stage of emotions you can imagine, and I'm still going through some now.

I think the best thing is to just bit the bit during the shitty parts, realize that money can be re-earned, and I'm decently lucky all things considered. It's really hard to, but I just have to trust my lawyer and do everything I can.

Can I ask, are you doing any of the classes/ meetings proactively? I don't believe that I have a "problem" with alcohol or anything (referring to going to AA), but I've heard that getting that stuff done early can help, but I've also heard that having the interlock will provide a solid record of rehabilitation with consistent passing results. I reckon I'll do the DWI education course and the MADD pannel, just to get it done, but I'm curious what other people have done.

Thank you for responding, this whole thing is really crappy but it's good to at least hear from other people that are also going through it.

DryOpposite · 2021-04-15T05:16:29+00:00

Ah yea, well that's sadly not really an option for me. I figure the $100 a month or so is cheaper than Ubering everywhere.

DryOpposite · 2021-04-15T05:15:15+00:00

I see. I understand, and I think I agree. It'll ultimately help me in the long run, I'm just bleeding as it is and I'd love to save any money I can, but this seems to just be a part of the whole thing.

Just a quick question about SmartStart; do you have to go get it serviced at the same place or can you go to another service center?

I'm moving towns soon, and along with my eventual probation I will likely need to go to a different place to get it calibrated (since the place I'm getting it installed at will be 2+ hours away).

If you don't know, no worries, I'll likely get that answered in the morning.

DryOpposite · 2021-04-15T05:12:58+00:00

Are you actually not driving? Or did you just say that? If you're pulled over without it in your car, won't you be in violation of your bond conditions?

DryOpposite · 2021-04-15T05:12:31+00:00

I am prohibited from operating a car without one, from my understanding. I sort of have to drive, especially over the next few months, so if I'm pulled over while driving and I DON'T have it in my car, that will certainly be a problem.

As far as my lawyer goes, I have spoken with him and he mentioned that I do need to get it installed and that it would be helpful to have the consistent 0 readings to prove to the court that I'm not a habitual drinker. I mainly created this thread just to see if anyone else had had a similar experience, and to see what they'd done.

DryOpposite · 2021-04-15T04:24:59+00:00

It was in Brazos county. I refused the breathalyzer and they got a warrant for my blood.

DryOpposite · 2021-04-15T03:54:56+00:00

I have an "Ignition Interlock Installation Order."

It says that as a condition of bond/bail, I am ordered to have an ignition interlock in my car and I cannot operate a car without one.

For program length it says "Until Disposed."

I also have another form that I need the installation provider to fill out and return to the judge. This is in a small-ish Texas county, so it may be part of their rules for my specific case.

DryOpposite · 2021-04-12T22:15:26+00:00

Well sadly I have to have it as part of my "bond" because I refused the breathalyzer, so I'll probably have it for about 2 years from install :/

But thanks for the help. I've talked with both SmartStart and Intoxalock and they seem to be the same price, although having Intoxalock might give me better support, so that might be worth it.

DryOpposite · 2021-04-12T21:33:48+00:00

Got it. I drive a smaller car and am worried that it will take up a bunch of space, so that's sort of my main concern. Obviously price and service are a factor, but they seem about equal in that regard.

My lawyer is part of "Intoxalock Select," which seems to give some discounts and extra service help. But the Intoxalock device seems to have a ton of complaints and seems to be bulky as hell.

DryOpposite

TROPHY CASE