In some states, you may refuse to take a BAC test. However, refusing to provide the evidence won't prevent your state from charging you with a DWI. They will probably also punish you for refusing by automatically suspending your license and adding additional time in jail if convicted. For that reason, it may not be in your best interests to refuse a test. In fact, because breath tests can be very inaccurate and don't always hold up to challenges, some DWI lawyers recommend that you take them.
In many states, you may refuse to take a field sobriety test -- the tests that law enforcement puts you through after pulling you over, such as walking a line -- with no punishments. Similarly, drivers in many states may politely decline to answer police questions without an attorney present. However, it's important to decline these requests politely, in order to avoid trouble with the officer you're talking to.
|