Can I Refuse a Breathalyzer Test? Are There Penalties for Refusing to Blow?

What Qualifies as a Refusal in a DWI Case?

Under North Carolina law, a person will be deemed to have "willfully refused" if he or she has been asked to submit to a chemical analysis such as a breath, blood, or urine sample and has been advised of his or her right to refuse the test, does not provide a sample, or allows the prescribed time limit in which the test must be taken to expire.

The most common refusal is when a person simply declines to blow into the machine, however, there are many more scenarios in which an officer can allege that you refused. "Allege" is the key word here. For example, an officer can accuse you of refusing for simply not listening to his or her instructions.

In light of the significant consequences that can come along with a refusal, we wanted to highlight the level of subjectivity involved in determining whether or not a refusal occurred. For reference, we've provided some examples from old DWI cases in North Carolina in which a person was accused of refusal:

Declining to remove an object from your mouth at the request of the law enforcement officer

Smoking in violations of instruction not to

Being unruly so that the proper procedures could not be completed

Refusing to blow until your attorney arrives after the 30 minutes allowing an attorney or witness to arrive has expired

Failure to provide an adequate sample of your breath

Failure to provide a second sample of your breath or a third sample if first two samples were not within 0.02 of each other

Unfortunately, in North Carolina it is very easy for an officer to allege that you refused.

Penalties for Breathalyzer Refusal in Mecklenburg County

Even though you are not legally required to provide a breath or blood sample after a DWI arrest, the laws of North Carolina practically force you to do so by imposing strict penalties including both criminal and civil penalties. Additionally, an officer can obtain a search warrant and compel you to provide a sample of your blood. In this scenario, the State not only has your BAC but you also face the consequences of refusing.

Criminal Consequences for Refusal in DWI Cases (N.C.G.S. 10-139.1(f))

During your DWI trial, the State will use your refusal against you in court. The prosecutor can provide evidence to the court that you refused to submit to a chemical analysis and they will argue that your choice (to exercise your legal right) to refuse to submit a breath, blood, or urine sample is an indication of guilt.

N.C.G.S. 20-139.1(f) states “if any person charged with an implied-consent offense refuses to submit to a chemical analysis or to perform field sobriety tests at the request of an officer, evidence of that refusal is admissible in any criminal, civil, or administrative action against the person.”

License Suspension for Refusal in DWI Cases (N.C.G.S. 20-16.2)

More serious than the criminal implications described above are the sanctions imposed by the North Carolina DMV. When you refuse to submit to a chemical analysis, your driver’s license will be suspended for a minimum of one full year. Click here for more details on license suspension penalties for drunk driving charges.

We understand the devastating impact associated with not being able to drive for 12 months and can advise you of your options for challenging a license revocation. Our attorneys can appeal your revocation before the DMV and, if necessary, a Superior Court Judge. Additionally, we can help you apply for a limited driving privilege if you qualify. The time frame to appeal your driver’s license revocation is very short.

Can the Refusal be Challenged or Dismissed?

There are ways to challenge a refusal and potentially have it dropped completely.

Police officers are required to inform you of your rights and must follow strict procedures when administering tests to determine your BAC. If the officer fails to properly inform you of your rights or does not properly conduct the test, your refusal can be dismissed. Additionally, if the officer did not have reasonable suspicion to stop you or probable cause to arrest you, your refusal can be rescinded.

Related Articles:

Our Approach To DWI Cases

WE WILL GET YOU DRIVING AGAIN

Simply being charged with DWI in North Carolina often results in your driver’s license being revoked for a minimum of 30 days. However, we can typically get your driving privileges reinstated almost immediately. We do this by either, first, challenging this civil license revocation, or second, getting you a limited driving privilege.

Defend My Case

WE WILL GATHER EVIDENCE

Whether you realize it or not, a considerable amount of evidence exists regarding your DWI charge, much of which is vital to an effective defense of your case. We will review your court file, subpoena necessary documents, videos, and notes, and file the appropriate pretrial motions in a timely manner.

Defend My Case

WE WILL FIGHT FOR YOU IN COURT

As former prosecutors, we are aware of all the potential defenses that may be available to you. We do not automatically assume you intend to plead guilty and face the harsh consequences associated with a DWI conviction. We pledge we will examine every possible defense and take your case to trial if it is in your best interest.

Defend My Case

WE WILL MITIGATE CONSEQUENCES

While it’s our goal to win every DWI case we have, it’s simply not possible for any attorney to win every time. If you are ultimately convicted of DWI, we will help you take every step possible to reduce the potential penalties, such as avoiding jail time, keeping you driving, reducing monetary costs, and more.

Defend My Case

Can I Refuse a Breathalyzer Test? Are There Penalties for Refusing to Blow?

What Qualifies as a Refusal in a DWI Case?

Let Our Experience & Knowledge Help You Obtain The Best Possible Outcome For Your Unique Legal Situation.

Penalties for Breathalyzer Refusal in Mecklenburg County

Criminal Consequences for Refusal in DWI Cases (N.C.G.S. 10-139.1(f))

License Suspension for Refusal in DWI Cases (N.C.G.S. 20-16.2)

Can the Refusal be Challenged or Dismissed?

Have You Been Arrested for a DWI in Charlotte, NC?

Our Approach To DWI Cases