Md. prosecutor pushes for use of ignition interlock devices

ROCKVILLE, Md. (AP) - A Maryland prosecutor is pushing to expand the use of devices designed to prevent people from driving while intoxicated.

Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy tells The Washington Post (https://wapo.st/2e6onZS ) that prosecutors in his county will ask judges to order the use of ignition interlock devices for first-time offenders, even when they agree to serve probation in order to avoid a conviction.

Maryland’s General Assembly passed a law this year that requires the use of ignition interlock devices upon a first-time DUI conviction.

But McCarthy says many first-time offenders aren’t covered under that law because they can avoid conviction by agreeing to serve probation. He says prosecutors will ask judges in most of those cases to order an interlock device to be used at least for the term of probation.

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Information from: The Washington Post, https://www.washingtonpost.com