Can you refuse breathalyzer test? |NJ Traffic DUI attorney

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Refusing To Give A Breath Sample Could Get You In A Lot of Trouble If You Don’t Understand

refusal to give a breath sample NJS 39:4-50.2Whenever you are pulled over for a DUI (N.J.S. 39:4-50) you do have the right to refuse the Breathalyzer test.  Even if you are in handcuffs you have the right to refuse, but it is rarely in your best interest.  A refusal to take a Breathalyzer carries is a separate charge of NJS 39:3-40.2, with it a seven-month suspension of you license for the first time, two years for the second, and ten years for the third.Lets examine the benefits of refusing to take the test.  If were drunk; and were debating about A seven month license suspension versus jail time? I’ll take the suspension.”  The problem is, you may still get both.  Just because you refuse to take the test does not mean that the prosecution will be unable to prove that you were intoxicated.  They can still discuss your behaviors and statements at the time of the event, and they can use your refusal against you.  They often times will claim that your refusal is an indication of you knowing you were guilty.  They could try to say something along the lines of, “I would refuse to take a test I knew I would fail too.”  This statement can go a long way in convincing someone of your guilt.

Regardless of the situation, your best bet is to hire a qualified, competent lawyer, and having them help you fight both the DUI (NJS 39:4-50) and the refusal (NJS 39:4-50.2) charge.  This is what they do for a living, and you are likely to get a lot of help from them, whether it be a full acquittal, or simply a less severe sentence. However, it is your right to refuse, and you always have that option.  The only thing we ask is that you fully understand the consequences of such an action.

Free Resources for you

If you are charged with a DUI you need to know your options before going to court.  On this page you will see an offer for my books, click the link, put your name and contact information and we will give you these books free:

  1. Arrested for Drunk Driving?  Learn how to Beat the Odds – Here I discuss defense strategies, and common mistakes I see other attorneys make in defending these complicated cases.  I also list for your question you should ask any attorney that you interview for your defense.
  2. Why Pleading Guilty to Your New Jersey Traffic Ticket is NOT an Option – Here I discuss court process and violations, including DUI’s.  There lots of case examples here.
  3. An Immigrant’s Guide to Municipal Court.  This discusses specifically what you will encounter in  Municipal Court if you aren’t a U.S. citizen and how it can result in removal proceedings in Immigration Court.  I define important terms and guide you through the Municipal Court and Immigration Court process.

If you have DUI or Traffic offenses questions, we have answers.  You can,

  1. Call 888-695-6169 to speak to our knowledgeable staff;
  2. Fill out the contact us form on this page;
  3. Select the live chat feature to speak to someone right away.

We help DUI defendants, one court client at a time.

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