Thursday, February 28, 2008 

798-5800

Picente and McNamara announce Oneida County's Ignition Interlock Program  

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. and District Attorney Scott McNamara today announced that Oneida County ’s Ignition Interlock Program will begin on March 1, 2008 in order to be in compliance with New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. 

“This program will become another excellent tool to be used in Oneida County ’s ongoing fight against Driving While Intoxicated,” Picente said.  “The implementation of Ignition Interlock is the result of collaborative efforts between the Oneida County Stop DWI Program, the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office, and the Oneida County Probation Department.”

The Ignition Interlock Program applies to individuals convicted of two DWI charges within five years, most defendants convicted of Felony DWI, and those sentenced to probation for Aggravated DWI.  The cost of installation and maintenance will be the responsibility of the defendant. 

In addition, this sanction may be applied as a Condition of Probation when deemed appropriate and necessary.  Once the device is installed, the vehicle will not be able to start or continue operation unless it is provided with breath samples free of alcohol.  If alcohol is detected, the vehicle will either not start or will gradually become inoperable in a manner that is safe to the operator and other drivers.

The Oneida County Probation Department will closely monitor participation and compliance.  Non-compliance will result in a Violation of Probation proceeding, a return to court, and incarceration.