Q: Am I required by law to submit to a breathalyzer test if I'm pulled over for suspected drunk driving or can I refuse
without consequences?
A: You can refuse to take the Preliminary Breath Test (which is done on the scene) and the BAC test back at the station. There are consequences to refusing both. If you refuse the first test, the prosecutor will try and argue the refusal was due to wanting to hide a positive alcohol reading. The second test, at the station, will likely have consequences too. Once, the state can argue that a refusal is due to consciousness of guilt - you refused because you knew you would blow over a .08. A refusal on this machine will also cause the Department of Licensing to attempt to suspend your license for a year. So, you can refuse but there may be consequences.
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.
