In Georgia, getting pulled over for suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) can branch out into multiple occurrences and outcomes. If you are ultimately arrested, you should also expect that you will be asked to submit to a breath or chemical test. The key word in that sentence is that you will be asked, not told.
You do not have to take any chemical testing after a DUI. But that is not exactly how the question should be phrased. You should be asking, "Should I take a breath test?"
Consequences of Not Taking a Breath Test in Georgia
Every state in the United States of America – including the District of Columbia (Washington DC) – follows the "implied consent" law when it comes to driving laws. This rule states that if you have a valid driver's license, you agree to submit to any requested breath or chemical tests, or accept the consequences of denial based on the state you were arrested in. For the state of Georgia, refusing to take any breath test will automatically lead to the revocation of your driver's license, typically for more than a year.
This automatic revocation is processed through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and it is not a criminal charge. Seems good? Not so. Due to it being a consequence and not a criminal penalty, you cannot contest the revocation, and it will occur whether you were intoxicated behind the wheel or not.
As DUI lawyers in Hinesville, our advice here at Balbo & Gregg, Attorneys at Law, PC is that it is simply not worth it to refuse to take the breath test. With our help, you can challenge the results of any type of chemical test, citing problems in accuracy or machine calibration. We can also question if the arresting officer had a valid reason to pull you over in the first place. But no criminal defense lawyer in Georgia can help you retrieve a license that was revoked due to refusal.
To learn more information on this subject – or to retain the services of our Hinesville DUI attorneys for a legal issue you are facing – call (866) 580-3089 and ask for a complimentary case evaluation.