Keauhou, HI asked in Criminal Law for Hawaii

Q: I have heard that if I am pulled over for a suspected DWI I can refuse a breathalyzer test. Is this true?

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
Stephen Bilkis
PREMIUM
Stephen Bilkis pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: You do have a right to refuse a breathalyzer test, but the question is whether it is worth your while. By refusing the test, you can wind up being charged with your refusal (even if you are found not guilty for the DWI).

This is because when you obtained your license, you automatically agreed to take a sobriety test if it ever became necessary (by implied consent).

Failure to provide a test will cause the DMV to automatically suspend your license. The length of time will vary state to state. This is in addition to what the court decides for you.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.