As you mentioned Texas has a program that utilizes these devices however
the effectiveness of the device is only as good as the Manufacturer and Monitor and Texas only requires it on repeat offenders. Second offender etc.
The convicted person has to pay a fee of approximately $ 50.00 per month and have his driving details downloaded monthly.
Some of the companies can be fooled by a can of Radio Shack compressed air yet others must feel the breath, the lips and a humming sensation which is far better to the others.
And there is also the continual drunk DWI. “Here Honey, blow for me”
The device keeps the car from cranking and you have to submit every 15 minutes while driving.
I was aware of one case where the device stopped the vehicle from starting 26 days out of 30 and it was not a device fault.
What did the actor get ?
No fines. No sentence. No additional time yet every 3rd infraction (no start) he had to tow his car and device to the monitor to have it reset.
I am sure if California had a problem starting this program they could contact MADD and get some help.
ntmxx
1. First offense, no license for 1 year mandatory and 1 year supervised release!
TEXAS DOES EXACTLY plus a hefty fine community service probation etc
2. Second, offense, 3 years mandatory prison, plus additional 3 years suspension and 3 year supervised release!
Texas that is possible but the 3 years mandatory prison is almost never the case
3. Third, offense, 5 years prison mandatory, plus additional 5 years suspension and 5 year supervised release!
Texas Close to that
4. Harm to property, additional year suspension, plus additional year prison and 1 year supervised release!
In Texas that is called Intoxicated Assault. Prison time
5. Harm to person, 5 years prison with 5 years suspension and 5 years supervised release!
See above # 4
6. Death, 10 years prison with 10 years suspension and 10 years supervised release!
In Texas that is called Intoxicated Manslaughter
And in Texas we have a law known as the Habitual Criminal Act. 3rd Felony of the same nature LIFE SENTENCE. I do know of one case that has been prosecuted as such and after 12 years the convict got out on parole with many restrictions and I expect he will return after a few more beers