What does a refusal of the breath or blood test mean?
As a first time offender a refusal of a the breath or blood test could result in a one year suspension of your drivers license and cause the imposition of higher fines and/or other penalties in the court case. There is no driving for that one year, not even any work related driving. The reason for the higher penalties is many times the lack of a breath or blood test weakens the government’s case. With no blood alcohol number to rely on the government can usually only proceed on the allegation of impairment as supported by the officer’s observations. Of course, the judge or jury may believe the reason why you refused the breath or blood test was because you thought your drinking put you over the limit and didn’t want to provide evidence to the police.
