Can I Refuse A Breathalyzer Test?

Is It Possible To Refuse A Breathalyzer Test?

It’s scary to get pulled over by a police officer in Colorado Springs.

You’re driving along, minding your own business, and see the flashing lights in your rearview mirror. You pull over, and the police officer asks you a few questions.

Where were you? Were you out enjoying a night on the town?

Were you drinking?

Jeremy just represented me in a complex case with mixed issues. The charges against me were all dismissed by the District Attorney after only one visit to the courtroom. Jeremy had not only the DA dragging out his law books, but the judge as well, they found themselves searching for the obscure law he used in my defense. I say this with affection for Jeremy, he is cocky, arrogant, and from back east, but he knows his law and the players working in the court and they all notice him when he walks in the court. Who else would you want as your lawyer, a doormat or a pit bull? Me I want a pit bull and I want him off the leash and that is exactly what I got. Jeremy is a fighter and he’s not ashamed to say it and neither am I. – Tim Casey

You feel just fine, however, now you’re feeling regretful that you forgot to use your turn signal when changing lanes. No one was behind you, so does it really matter?

Of course, the police see that omission and promptly pull you over.

The police officer asks you if you’ve been drinking. You’re definitely not going to tell him that you had a rum and soda at the party, so you lie. You want it to sound as truthful as possible, so you tell him you had a beer instead.

You think it sounded truthful, you know you have to be as honest as possible. The policeman asks you one more question. Will you take a breathalyzer test?

If you pass the test, you can drive away, if not… Just blow into this tube, he tells you.

Should you refuse a breathalyzer test?

What will happen if you refuse a breathalyzer test? Do you have the right in Colorado to refuse a breathalyzer test?

The State Of Colorado Has An Express Consent Law

Per the Colorado Express Consent Law, all drivers are automatically given consent to submit to chemical tests, including breathalyzer tests, following a potential DUI arrest. In short, if you’re arrested, you’ve already consented to take this test and must take it. If you decide to refuse, you’re going to be subject to some penalties.

Preliminary Test Vs Post-Arrest Test (Field Sobriety Test)

If you are told by an officer of the law to blow into a device on the roadside without being arrested, you’re being asked to take a field sobriety test or a preliminary breathalyzer test. If you’re stopped for a suspected DUI, the only thing you have to do is to hand over your license and your registration when asked to do so and step out of your vehicle if asked.

You are not required to answer questions as to whether or not you’ve been drinking, and you’re not required to take a field sobriety test. Per Colorado state law, you have no obligation to take a preliminary breathalyzer test, and you’re not going to be penalized for refusing.

However, if you’re under the age of 21, the legal drinking age in Colorado, you must agree to take this test.

If you are arrested by the police, then things change dramatically.

If you refuse a breathalyzer test or post-arrest blood or chemical test in the city of Colorado Springs, there may be some serious consequences.

• You may be designated a “persistent drunk driver” even if this is your first ever DUI arrest.
• Your driver’s license will be automatically suspended for one year. You can reapply for your license to be reinstated after two months time.
• You must participate in a mandatory DUI class and treatment program in Colorado Springs.
• You will be required to use an Ignition Interlock device for one year after your driving privileges are restored.
• Additionally, by refusing to take a post-arrest test this evidence will be used against you in a trial.

If, however, you submit to the breathalyzer and your results note that your BAC (Blood Alcohol Limit) was over the limit, this too can be used against you.

The obvious answer is, don’t drink and drive. Even drinking a little bit might qualify you for a DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) which has serious consequences on its own. 

If you do get caught up with the law on an alcohol (or drug-related) driving charge, give me a call. or contact me here for a free, friendly case review. Chances are, I may be able to help you.

So call now, I can help you.