QUESTION

Can I beat a refuse breath test?

Asked on Sep 11th, 2012 on DUI/DWI - Washington
More details to this question:
N/A
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16 ANSWERS

Transportation Attorney serving Mamaroneck, NY at Palumbo & Associates, PC
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Yes.
Answered on May 28th, 2013 at 8:29 PM

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Leonard A. Kaanta
No.
Answered on May 22nd, 2013 at 3:36 AM

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Dennis P. Mikko
It would depend on why you refused the breath test. However, regardless of why you refused, you should appeal the revocation of your license through the Secretary of State. Sometimes the officer does not show for the hearing and the revocation will be dismissed.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 9:28 PM

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Bankruptcy Attorney serving Federal Way, WA at Freeborn Law Offices P.S.
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Highly unlikely. There is what is called the "Implied Consent Law". This means that for the privilege to drive... driving is a privilege, not a right.... you agree that if requested by an officer during a stop, to submit to a breath test, you agree to do so. You are welcome to refuse, but if you do so, your right to drive is suspended for a minimum of 1 year. This is so, even if you were found "not guilty" of the DUI, or even if the breath machine were found not to be working or not properly certified. You cannot make these arguments if you have refused the breath test. IN a license suspension, the suspension is by the Department of Licensing, not the court.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 9:25 PM

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Wrongful Termination Attorney serving Huntington Beach, CA at Nelson & Lawless
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Beat? Refusal results in automatic one year suspension of license. The only grounds for appeal to DMV would be that you could conclusively prove you did not refuse. Proof would be difficult, your word is neither proof, nor credible evidence. Do you have credible independent / neutral witness testimony, video or audio recordings, etc., to 100% refute the officer?s testimony? IF so call me to discuss. A little free advice: When arrested for DUI, then upon release from jail or booking, the defendant is given documents that include a notice that he has have only ten days to file a request with DMV for a hearing on an appeal of the automatic suspension of your license imposed by DMV upon your arrest. That is separate and runs consecutively with any suspension that may be imposed by DMV [for test refusal or otherwise], or the court upon conviction. Contact DMV and do so, timely if you think you have grounds for appeal, then appear at the scheduled DMV appeal hearing to present your supporting evidence and witness testimony. If you don't know how to do these things effectively, then hire an attorney that does. If you are charged with any crime, the proper questions are, can any evidence obtained in a test, search or statement be used against you, can you be convicted, and what can you do? Raise all appropriate defenses with whatever witnesses, evidence and sympathies are available for legal arguments, for evidence suppression or other motions, or for trial. If you don't know how to represent yourself effectively against an experienced prosecutor intending to convict, then hire an attorney who does, who will try to get a dismissal, charge reduction, diversion, program, or other decent outcome through motions, plea bargain, or take it to trial if appropriate.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 9:24 PM

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I cannot tell you without knowing all of the facts. You should know that the DA will argue to the jury that it is circumstantial evidence that you knew you were under the influence or you would have taken the test. Also, you lose your license for 1 year instead of 4 months for a refusal.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 9:24 PM

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You have a better chance to do so than a regular DUI. Prosecutors don't like taking refusal cases to trial, but you'll need to hire a DUI specialist, because prosecutors won't back down from a refusal cases easily, and usually only when it is set for trial.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 9:22 PM

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Automobile Attorney serving East Lansing, MI at Nichols Law Firm PLLC
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Sure. depending on the facts.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 9:21 PM

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Criminal Defense Attorney serving Pittsburgh, PA at Law Office of Jeffrey L. Pollock
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It is a long-shot, but what is your alleged excuse?
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 9:21 PM

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Richard S. Goodman
There are strict requirements that the officer must follow. Get an attorney.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 9:20 PM

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Criminal Law Attorney serving Worcester, MA at Gregory Casale, Attorney at Law
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That is far too broad a question with far too few facts. If you refused to blow into the breath test meter or made a show of trying but really not blowing hard, the test is marked as a refusal. If that is what you are talking about, you would have to show a medical reason why you couldn't blow adequately. You would not be the 1s person to try to beat the breath test by blowing less than is required. Thousands of people try this. They are all marked as refusals. You would have to distinguish your situation from all of those by showing medically why you couldn't blow the necessary amount of air into the device. If it is something different than this you will have to explain it better to get an answer.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 9:19 PM

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Michael J. Breczinski
Only if you can show the police had no reason to ask you to take one.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 9:17 PM

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Criminal Defense Attorney serving Santa Rosa, CA
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In California, If you refuse to provide a chemical test when required to do so upon the belief you were operating a motor vehicle under the influence the DMV will suspend your license for a period of at least one (1) year upon a showing that your failure to provide a chemical test was willful. As far as whether because of a lack of breath or blood you would beat the DUI charges in court.... that cannot simply be determined by a refusal, and other evidence would have to be examined to see if the DA could prove the case that you were still driving under the influence.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 9:16 PM

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Criminal Defense Attorney serving Calabasas, CA at Law Office of Bernal P. Ojeda
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depends on facts your question gives no basis
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 9:16 PM

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Immigration Attorney serving Salt Lake City, UT
Partner at Natty Shafer Law
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It could be possible, depending on the circumstances of your case. It's impossible to say for sure without knowing the specific circumstances. If the officer did not have probable cause to request the breath test, then yes, you might be able to beat the charge.
Answered on Sep 14th, 2012 at 5:28 PM

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The answer is maybe (I hate to sound like a lawyer). Each case must be evaluated on its individual merits to determine the best way to attack to prosecutor's case.
Answered on Sep 14th, 2012 at 5:26 PM

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