Being pulled over on suspicion of DUI is a scary experience. Many people don’t know what to do and they feel as if they don’t have time to stop and think. It may seem easiest to comply with everything the police officer asks you to do. But that isn’t always the right choice.
One of the most common questions people have is whether they should take the breath test. It is important to know the difference between the roadside test and the test administered at the police station. The preliminary breath test is given during the roadside stop. Because the results are typically inadmissible in court, they likely cannot be used against you. However, the officer may decide to arrest you based on the results.
If you are taken to the police station, you will be asked to take another breath test. Refusing to take this test is a crime and will result in the loss of your driver’s license for a year. It is a serious issue, and you must weigh the benefits of not giving the police chemical proof to use against you with the mandatory loss of your license.
You have the right to speak to a lawyer before taking a breath, blood or urine test. Don’t just plead guilty to end the ordeal. A guilty plea is the same as having a conviction on your record. Remember, DUI is a crime, not a traffic violation.
An experienced DUI defense attorney can explain your rights and assess your case. Consult a lawyer before making any decisions about your DUI case.