As a condition of bail a magistrate may order the defendant to install a breath alcohol device or interlock for certain offenses on any vehicle that the defendant drives. An interlock is an electronic device wired into the ignition system of a vehicle which requires the user to pass a breath alcohol test in order to start the vehicle.
If the defendant is ordered by the magistrate to install an interlock device on his/her vehicle, the defendant will have to pay a fee to the monitoring agency to monitor the device. The fee is generally $10.00 per month. The defendant will also pay a monthly lease fee for the device. The monthly lease fee will vary depending on the interlock company.
Who monitor’s the device?
The monitoring agency for the magistrate’s office is the Personal Bonds (PR) Office. The PR bonds office does not accept personal checks or cash. Make cashier’s check or money order out to “Williamson County” in the amount of $10.00.
If the defendant does not install the device within the time ordered by the magistrate or fails to pay the monthly fee a warrant may be issued for his/her arrest and the bail may be raised.