What Happens if You Refuse a Breathalyzer Test in Florida?

If you refuse a breathalyzer test in Florida, your driver’s license will immediately be suspended, directly impacting your ability to drive. This mandatory suspension means you will be unable to operate your vehicle for at least one year.

Many Floridians assume that refusing to blow a breath test will strengthen their case. Refusing a breath test can do more harm than good. If you have received previous DUI convictions and refuse to complete a breathalyzer test, you could suffer a license suspension for 18 months and may have to serve jail time.

If you are facing conviction after refusing a DUI breathalyzer test, you need to contact a reputable law firm. At The Law Place, our Tampa criminal defense lawyers will work to build you a solid defense case. You will be far more likely to achieve a favorable outcome from your case if you have an experienced attorney backing your case. To schedule your free consultation with a member of our team, call us now at (941)-444-4444)

What Is Florida’s Implied Consent Law?

Florida implied consent law applies to DUI cases and breathalyzer tests. The law states that if you have a driver’s license, you are giving your consent to take a breathalyzer test when asked by a police officer. This implied consent statute is outlined under Florida Statute 316.1932. Implied consent laws mean that by driving, you’ve implicitly agreed to undergo BAC testing if suspected of DUI, highlighting the serious implications of refusing such tests, including license suspension.

Despite this implied consent law, you are within your right to refuse a breathalyzer test. Law enforcement officers cannot force you to take a breath test. However, you can face criminal penalties for refusing these tests.

Can I Refuse a Breathalyzer?

In Florida, while you technically can refuse to take a breathalyzer test when requested by a law enforcement officer during a DUI stop, doing so comes with significant legal consequences. This is due to Florida’s implied consent law, which you automatically agree to by holding a Florida driver’s license. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Immediate License Suspension – Refusing a breathalyzer test leads to an automatic administrative suspension of your driver’s license. For a first refusal, the suspension is for one year; for subsequent refusals, it extends to 18 months.
2. Potential for Criminal Charges – While refusing a breathalyzer test doesn’t automatically result in DUI charges, it can be used against you in court. Law enforcement can rely on other evidence like field sobriety tests, officer observations, and any incriminating statements you make.
3. Challenge the Suspension – You have the right to challenge your license suspension at a DMV administrative review hearing. This must be requested within 10 days of the DUI stop.
4. Risk of Enhanced Penalties – If your case goes to trial, the fact that you refused the breathalyzer can be presented to the court and might influence the jury’s perception, potentially leading to enhanced penalties if convicted.

DUI Refusal Dismissed

Having a DUI refusal charge dismissed is challenging but not impossible. The dismissal largely depends on the specifics of your case and the quality of your legal defense. Here are key factors to consider:

1. Valid Grounds for Dismissal – Dismissal may occur if there were procedural errors during your arrest, like lack of probable cause for the initial traffic stop, or if your refusal rights weren’t properly explained by the officer.
2. Legal Representation – A skilled DUI attorney can scrutinize the details of your arrest to identify any legal loopholes or procedural errors that could lead to dismissal. They can also negotiate with prosecutors or argue your case in court.
3. Challenging Evidence – Your DUI lawyer in Tampa, FL may challenge the reliability of the evidence against you, including the circumstances of the breathalyzer request and the conduct of the arresting officer.
4. Court Rulings – In some cases, courts have dismissed DUI refusals if it’s proven that the accused was not properly informed of the consequences of refusing the test or if the arrest was deemed unlawful.

It’s important to remember that each DUI case is unique, and the likelihood of having a refusal charge dismissed depends on many variables. Consulting with a knowledgeable DUI attorney is crucial to understand your legal options and to mount an effective defense.

What Should I Do if I’ve Been Arrested for DUI in Florida?

The first thing you should do is call a reputable criminal defense attorney. The sooner you contact The Law Place, the better. This is because you only have 10 days following your arrest to apply for DUI school in an attempt to achieve a hardship license.

Our attorneys can guide you through this whole process and build you a solid defense strategy. These charges are worth fighting. Not only is your liberty at stake, but so are your license, employment, and future.

Can I Prevent a DUI Charge by Refusing a Breathalyzer Test?

No, you can still be charged with DUI even if you refuse to complete a breath or blood test. This is because although these tests are important pieces of evidence to convict offenders in these cases, they are not the only way to prove the impairment of drivers. Additionally, DUI charges can be pursued based on evidence that suggests a driver’s blood alcohol concentration was over the legal limit, even without a breath or blood test result.

Other pieces of evidence can prove DUI in Florida. These include:

• The observations made by law enforcement officers. All officers are required to document their observations during an arrest or traffic stop. These observations can be used against you in the courtroom.
• Witness statements. If other people report that they saw you drinking before you got behind the wheel, their testimonies can be used as evidence of your DUI.
• Evidence of drinking. If law enforcement officers find alcohol bottles in your motor vehicle or smell alcohol on you, this can prove your DUI and be used as evidence against you.
• Property damage or motor accident. If your impairment caused you to cause an accident, and it is obvious that you were impaired, a court will use this evidence as proof of your DUI.

Can You Get a Hardship License if You Refuse a Breathalyzer in Florida?

With the help of an attorney, you can get a hardship license if you refuse a breath test. However, this is only possible if this is your first time DUI arrest and refusal. You will also have to serve a 90-day waiting period for this license.

If you are facing your second or third offense, you cannot receive a hardship license under Florida law if you refuse a test. This can have a dramatic impact on your life. Losing your driving privileges could prevent you from working, visiting family, and more. The more offenses and refusals you complete, the more severe the penalties will be. This is why you must contact a reputable law firm if you are facing a DUI conviction.

How Do You Beat a DUI Refusal in Florida?

To beat a DUI refusal in Florida, you need to seek legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney. If you decide to defend your own case in the courtroom, you have a slim chance of being successful. Having a reputable attorney backing your case can prove to a courtroom that you are taking your charges seriously.

An experienced attorney will defend your case and argue that you were below the legal limit. There are many defenses that attorneys can use to defend their clients in these cases.

What Defenses Can Attorneys Use in My DUI Refusal Case?

An attorney can get your DUI charges dismissed if they can prove that the arresting officer acted unlawfully. A police officer must have reasonable suspicion that you were driving or in actual physical control of your motor vehicle while intoxicated over the legal limit.

If an officer is unable to prove that they had probable cause to stop you and ask you to take a breathalyzer test, your refusal could be dismissed in court during the review hearing.

Why Shouldn’t I Take a Breathalyzer Test?

You may have some valid reasons why you should refuse a breathalyzer test in Florida, these include:

• Medical Issues – If you have anxiety, other mental health issues, or a physical issue that would make taking a breath test difficult, you may refuse a test. In these scenarios, a law enforcement officer may report your refusal rather than the reality of the situation.
• Language Barrier – If English isn’t your first language, you may struggle to understand what a law enforcement officer is asking of you. In these cases, an officer may unfairly report your refusal to blow.
• Impatience – Some law enforcement officers may lose their patience and report your refusal to take a breathalyzer test before you have had the chance to process the situation.

Can Attorneys Help Me if a Police Officer Unfairly Reports My Refusal?

Attorneys can help defend your case if your refusal has unfairly been reported. You may have a valid reason to refuse a breath test, such as a medical issue, and you should not be penalized for this.

An attorney at The Law Place will defend your legal rights and interests. They will persuade the prosecutor of your innocence in an attempt to get your driving privileges back. You should not have to suffer a license suspension because you physically were unable to complete a breath test at your DUI arrest.

Our attorneys will typically put this defense forward as a pretrial motion.

Are Breathalyzers Admissible in Court in Florida?

In Florida, the results of preliminary breathalyzer tests are not typically admissible in a criminal trial. However, tests conducted at a police station using specific testing machines are considered evidentiary and can be used as evidence in DUI cases. This contrasts with the preliminary roadside tests, highlighting the importance of the location and method of testing in the legal process. This is the same for during a hearing on the issue of whether an arresting officer had probable cause to arrest you.

Generally, the use of preliminary breathalyzer tests is limited to administrative hearings for the suspension of driving licenses.

What Is the Florida Diversion Program?

It is possible to beat your breath test refusal case in Florida by entering a diversion program. By entering Florida’s diversion program, you could get your DUI charges reduced to reckless driving charges. This could be hugely beneficial to your case because it means that you could get your record expunged.

To find out more about this pre-trial diversion program, don’t hesitate to contact our law firm today. Our team of experienced attorneys will be more than happy to answer all of your questions during a free consultation meeting.

How Long Does a Refusal Stay On Your Record in Florida?

If you don’t fight your DUI refusal case and are convicted, these offenses will remain on your driving record for 75 years. For most offenders, this will be for the rest of their lifetimes.

Furthermore, refusal of a breathalyzer in Florida will permanently remain on your criminal record. An attorney can’t get these DUI offenses expunged from your criminal record. This is why it is important to fight these charges. Our attorneys will work to get your charges reduced or dropped so it will be possible to get them expunged.

Having a refusal on both your criminal and driving record can be very frustrating. It can prevent you from securing a professional license, securing bank loans and mortgages, and more. Not only this, but your insurance rates will more than likely increase if convicted.

Can I Refuse Field Sobriety Tests?

You can refuse a field sobriety test in Florida. These tests are used by police officers to try and assess a person’s impairment from intoxication. Some typical field sobriety tests in Florida include standing on one leg, following a finger with your eyes, and walking in a straight line. Police officers won’t tell you that you can refuse a field sobriety test.

If you have drank several alcoholic beverages and think you may be over the legal limit, you are best to refuse these tests rather than complete them poorly.

We strongly advise that you remain calm and act politely to the arresting officers. You can simply refuse these field sobriety tests, you don’t need to explain. Some officers may become frustrated and try to pressure you into taking a field sobriety test. You are not legally required to do so.

How Much Can I Drink Before Driving in Florida?

In Florida, you can be arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) if breath test results highlight that you have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or more. Therefore, you cannot drink much alcohol if you wish to drive. The average body can process one alcoholic drink per hour but this will vary depending on the person and substance being consumed.

At The Law Place, we strongly urge that no one gets behind the wheel if they have consumed alcohol or drugs. Although a person may feel sober, the results of a breath test could change a life forever. Furthermore, even if you refuse a test, you can still be arrested if an officer detects your impairment.

Drunk driving is simply not worth it. It could change your life and the lives of others around you forever. We understand that mistakes happen and that is why we are willing to help those facing DUI charges.

FAQ – What Happens If You Refuse a Breathalyzer Test in Florida?

What are the immediate consequences of refusing a breathalyzer test in Florida?

In Florida, if you refuse to take a breathalyzer test when lawfully requested by a police officer during a DUI stop, you will face immediate consequences. The most significant is the automatic suspension of your driver’s license. This is due to Florida’s implied consent law, which you agree to by holding a Florida driver’s license.

Is license suspension automatic after refusing a breathalyzer?

Yes, license suspension is automatic. For a first-time refusal, your license can be suspended for up to one year. If it’s a second or subsequent refusal, the suspension period extends to 18 months. This action is administrative and separate from any criminal charges that may arise from the DUI stop.

Can you challenge the suspension of your license after refusing a breathalyzer?

You have the right to challenge the suspension of your license at a formal review hearing. However, you must request this hearing within 10 days of your arrest. It’s an opportunity to contest the suspension, but it does not guarantee that your license will be reinstated.

What are the criminal implications of refusing a breathalyzer in Florida?

While the initial refusal results in administrative penalties like license suspension, it can also have criminal implications. Refusal to take a breathalyzer can be used as evidence against you in court, potentially leading to DUI charges. Additionally, if you have prior breathalyzer refusals or DUI convictions, the refusal can lead to misdemeanor charges.

Does refusing a breathalyzer test eliminate the risk of a DUI charge?

Refusing a breathalyzer test does not eliminate the risk of facing DUI charges. Law enforcement can use other evidence, such as field sobriety test results, witness testimony, and your behavior during the stop, to pursue DUI charges against you.

What should you do if you’re considering refusing a breathalyzer in Florida?

If you’re considering refusing a breathalyzer test in Florida, it’s important to understand the full scope of consequences. Consulting with a DUI attorney immediately following a DUI stop can provide you with legal advice specific to your situation. An attorney can help you understand your rights and the potential outcomes of refusing the test.

Can a minor refuse a breathalyzer test in Florida?

Minors are also subject to Florida’s implied consent law. Refusal to take a breathalyzer test can result in license suspension and may also lead to additional penalties under Florida’s zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving.

Should I Contact The Law Place?

If you have refused a breath test, blood test, urine test, or chemical test in Florida, it is worth contacting The Law Place. Refusing these tests during a DUI arrest will result in a person’s driver’s license being suspended. Not only will a person suffer a license suspension, but they will also likely have to pay fines, complete community service, complete DUI school, serve jail time, and more.

Our attorneys have over 75 years of combined experience. We will do all we can to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome from your case.

We serve clients across the whole state of Florida. Regardless of your accused criminal offenses, we can help you. To organize your free consultation with a reputable member of our team call us now at (941)-444-4444.