Did You Refuse the Breathalyzer?
Under Michigan's implied consent law, anyone who operates a motor vehicle is obligated to provide law enforcement with a breath or blood sample upon reasonable suspicion of drunk driving. Failure to submit to chemical testing results in automatic license suspension and other penalties, and does not necessarily get you off the hook for an OWI.
With a knowledgeable lawyer, there are viable defenses to an arrest for breath test refusal. I am David G. Moore, a criminal defense lawyer in Kalamazoo who has handled OWI cases throughout southwest Michigan, including implied consent violations. Contact me today for a free consultation.
Act Immediately to Protect Your Driving Privileges
You have 14 days from the date of your arrest to request a hearing to challenge license suspension. Once this window closes, you cannot appeal your case or qualify for a restricted driving permit. Call me 24 hours a day.
Kalamazoo Breath Test Refusal Defense Lawyer
Refusing the breath test is almost never worth it. The police can and will obtain a subpoena for a blood test to test your blood-alcohol content (BAC) anyway. Depending on the findings, you can be charged with refusal and with OWI or OWVI. Even if you are not prosecuted for drunk driving, or you win your case, refusing the breath test carries a one-year license suspension.
On a first offense of refusing the breath test, you may be eligible for a hardship license through circuit court that allows you to drive to work or school. You must specifically request a hearing within 14 days. Repeat offenders (two refusals and/or drunk driving convictions within seven years) are disqualified from a restricted license, and a second charge of refusal carries a two-year license suspension.
If you were asked to take a breath test, my number one concern as a defense attorney is whether the traffic stop and the arrest were legal. Did police have probable cause to stop your vehicle? What basis did they have to demand a breath sample? Did they read you your rights and explain the consequences of refusal under Michigan's implied consent law?
Southwest Michigan Breathalyzer Test Defense Lawyer
If you declined an alcohol breath test and now face license suspension and criminal charges, call me day or night at 269-216-4573 or toll free at 888-527-6768, or contact me online to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation. I take cases in Kalamazoo, Portage, Battle Creek, Grand Rapids and the surrounding counties, including college students of Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College.
