The penalties for being convicted of a DUI offense can be significant, especially if you have refused a breathalyzer test. Choosing a Beaver County DUI lawyer to represent you can help get your charges dismissed outright or the penalties reduced.

No matter the circumstances of your specific case, we at Wyland Law Group believe that you deserve honest answers and to be treated with respect by everyone in the Beaver County justice system. One issue you might need clarity on is whether or not you can refuse a breathalyzer test and what will happen if you did.

Can I Refuse a Breathalyzer Test in Pennsylvania?

Many people who know they have been drinking, or who have been convicted of a DUI offense before, may be tempted to refuse when an officer requests a breath sample. However, refusing is against the law. Beaver County and Pennsylvania as a whole have a law that assumes you consent to a breathalyzer if you are in control of a motor vehicle.

If you don’t want to consent to a breathalyzer test, your only option is not to operate a motor vehicle. That being said, a police officer still needs reasonable grounds to ask you for a sample. Even if you do not believe they have reasonable grounds, you should not refuse a breathalyzer request. You are not entitled to an attorney during the chemical test, but you should contact us afterward.

We may still be able to argue, after you take the test, that the officer did not have reasonable grounds. If the judge agrees, then we may be able to get the test results dismissed. This situation will not apply to everyone; it depends on the specific circumstances of your case. That’s why you need to choose an experienced Beaver County DUI lawyer to make the right argument for you.
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What Happens If I Refused the Breathalyzer Test?

Refusing the breathalyzer test when asked has serious consequences. You will be charged as if you had the highest blood alcohol level (tier three) during the test. You will also face an additional 12 to 18-month license suspension that you would not have faced if you had taken the test.

However, all of this doesn’t mean you’re out of options. At Wyland Law Group, we can still put up a strong defense for you and attempt to lessen the impact of these charges on your life.

Why Work With Wyland Law Group?

Having the advice of an experienced Beaver County DUI attorney can help you avoid making mistakes that can cause you additional charges or higher penalties. If you’ve been charged with a DUI offense, reach out to us first before you do anything else. We can start working on a strategy to minimize the impact of these charges on your life right away.

Whether you have been charged with your first offense or your third, having an experienced attorney on your side is critical to your ability to defend yourself against the government’s allegations. Please contact me for a free consultation by calling  412-710-0013 or by filling out the contact form on this website.