DUI Breathalyzer Refusal
Cranston DUI Defense Lawyer
First DUI / Repeat DUI / DWI / Driving Under the Influence of Drugs / Refusing to Take a Breathalyzer
Rhode Island has serious penalties for people convicted of DUI, DWI, and particularly for refusing to submit to a breathalyzer or chemical test. Whether this is your first DUI charge, or you've been down this road before and you're facing a second or third offense, you could be risking heavy fines, a suspended drivers' license, community service, a jail sentence or even prison time.
You Need a Strong Legal Defense
I'm Cranston DUI defense lawyer Adam Northup. I represent people in Cranston, Warwick, Providence and other nearby Rhode Island communities who are facing criminal charges for:
- First offense DUI (.08 or more, .10 or more, and over .15 blood alcohol content)
- Second offense DUI (.08 or more, .15 or greater BAC)
- Third offense DUI or more
- Underage DUI
- Driving while impaired or under the influence of drugs
- Causing an accident with injuries or death while driving under the influence
- Refusal to submit to an alcohol breathalyzer (refusing to take a breathalyzer or blood test)
I represent clients in DUI cases in District court in Providence, Kent County, Newport County, and Washington County. I defend clients in breathalyzer refusal cases at the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal in Cranston. Contact my office for a quick response and dedicated legal representation in Rhode Island criminal courts.
Why You Need a DUI Defense Attorney Right Away
Unlike some criminal cases that drag on, drunk driving cases are heard fairly quickly in District or Superior Court or before a Traffic Tribunal. In order for your defense attorney to prepare the best possible case, you will want to give him or her as much time as possible. So call right away: 401-463-5106.
A good defense could mean your case is dropped, your charges are reduced, you pay less in fines, you face fewer penalties, or you can continue to drive!
Can You Refuse a Breathalyzer test? Yes, But It Could Cost You
If you were pulled over for drunk driving and you blew into a breathalyzer and it came up .08 or more, you will get charged with a DUI and you'll get your day in court. Driving under the influence is a criminal offense and in the United States, you are innocent until proven guilty. You can keep your license until you are found guilty.
If you refuse to take a chemical testyou have committed a civil offense. When you got your drivers' license, you agreed to certain things, and testing was one of them. You failed to live up to your legal obligation. You lose your license right away.
With such huge penalties for refusing a breathalyzer/chemical test in RI, why not pay for strong legal representation from a skilled DUI defense attorney?
You may have had a good reason for refusing a breath test or a field sobriety test. There are lots of issues with both of them.
- With a breathalyzer test: Do you have a known medical condition, like GERD or acid reflux, that can cause false readings? Diabetes can also throw off a test reading, as can a medical problem called auto-brewery syndrome.
- With field sobriety tests: It seems like it would be easy to walk a straight line, stand a certain way, touch your nose, but if you have had a knee replacement, have balance issues, suffer from MS or Parkinson's or a number of other medical conditions, it's easy to fail a field sobriety test even when you are perfectly sober. Do you wear contacts? A police officer could easily mistake eye irritation for bloodshot eyes.
As your DUI defense lawyer, I will work to get theDUI charges dismissed or reduced in District court and will work to get the best outcome before the Traffic Tribunal. There may still be consequences but we may be able to get a lesser license suspension and a hardship license.
Get a Hardship License
Living without a drivers' license can be very difficult. If you were charged withdrunk driving or a breathalyzer refusal, you may be able to get a hardship drivers' license or ignition interlock device.
A hardship license of ignition interlock may not be available in every DUI/DWI case and if you are approved for a hardship license or ignition interlock device there will likely be additional monetary fees.
Fight Your Rhode Island Drunk Driving Charges
Call 401-463-5106 or contact my office online. I return all calls promptly.
