What Are the Consequences of Refusing a Breathalyzer Test in NJ?

Breath tests are an essential component of law enforcement efforts to combat driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) in New Jersey. The state takes a strong stance against drunk driving and understanding these tests and their implications is crucial for anyone seeking to avoid DWI/DUI charges and their harsh penalties. 

Under New Jersey’s implied consent laws, drivers are expected to comply with a breath test when requested by law enforcement during a traffic stop. New Jersey imposes strict penalties for individuals who are convicted of a DWI/DUI and who are found to have refused the breathalyzer test. If you have been charged with a DWI/DUI, getting the help of a skilled New Jersey DUI attorney is a crucial step in protecting your rights. Led by top-rated attorney Rachel Kugel, our team of experienced DWI/DUI attorneys at The Kugel Law Firm works diligently to provide quality legal representation to New Jersey residents who have been charged with impaired driving offenses, such as breathalyzer test refusal. Contact us today at (973) 854-0098 to schedule a free strategy session.

New Jersey DWI Laws

New Jersey laws prohibit anyone from operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, and hallucinogenic or habit-producing drugs. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) threshold for a driver is 0.08%. For commercial drivers operating commercial vehicles, the limit is 0.04%. Meanwhile, drivers under the age of 21 are held to a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drunk driving.

New Jersey DWI laws enforce penalties based on the severity and frequency of offenses. Penalties can include fines, license suspension, installation of an ignition interlock device (IID), and even imprisonment. The penalties depend on the BAC of the offender and the number of prior offenses they have.

For instance, a first-time offender may face a fine between $250 and $400, along with a three-month license suspension or three-month ignition interlock requirement. Those with a BAC of 0.10% or higher face a fine between $300 and $500 and a license suspension of seven months or an ignition interlock requirement for 7 months. For motorists with a BAC at or above .15, even a first offense will require both a license revocation of four to six months and an ignition interlock requirement during that time and for 9-15 months thereafter. Subsequent offenses come with increased penalties, including longer license suspension periods and potential imprisonment.

What is the Implied Consent Law in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, any driver using the roads is deemed to have implicitly provided their consent to submit to a breathalyzer test when requested upon probable cause by law enforcement. This is referred to as the Implied Consent Law in New Jersey. If a driver refuses to submit to a breathalyzer test following a traffic stop made on suspicion of a DWI/DUI, this can result in additional charges and penalties if you are convicted of the DWI/DUI.

Refusal to take a breath test in New Jersey will typically result in a separate summons for the violation, in addition to any DWI charges the driver may face. The penalties for refusal vary depending on the number of prior offenses the driver has.

For first-time refusal offenders, the penalties include a fine between $300 and $500 and a suspension or ignition interlock device for 9-15 months. For second-time offenders, the penalties include a fine between $500 and $1,000, in addition to a 1-2 year license suspension as well as the installation of an ignition interlock device upon restoration for a period of 2-4 years. The penalties continue to increase for subsequent offenses, with the potential for significant fines, license suspension, and interlock installation requirements.

It’s worth noting that even if a driver refuses a breathalyzer test, law enforcement may in certain circumstances obtain a warrant to conduct a blood test to determine their BAC.

Refusing a Breathalyzer Test in New Jersey

In the state of New Jersey, every driver faces a dilemma when confronted with a breathalyzer test during a traffic stop. Although the laws in New Jersey are stringent, you may be wondering if it is a good idea to refuse a breathalyzer test. Law enforcement officers themselves have to provide an explanation with a script provided by the New Jersey Attorney General and advise the driver of the potential consequences of refusing a breathalyzer test before administering it. 

How to Conduct Yourself When Stopped for DWI/DUI

When a police officer stops you on suspicion of a DWI/DUI and requests you to answer questions or submit to physical and balance tests, you have the right to politely refuse. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Remain calm and polite during the entire interaction with the officer.
2. Clearly inform the officer that you will not be taking field sobriety tests. It is essential to be firm but polite.
3. Do not argue or resist the officer’s subsequent actions, such as handcuffing or placing you under arrest. Resisting may lead to additional charges.
4. If you’re placed under arrest, exercise your right to remain silent until you’ve consulted with a lawyer.

It is important to understand that refusing tests does not mean you won’t be charged with a DUI. The officer may use other evidence, such as your behavior or appearance, to charge you. It does, however, mean the prosecution will not have the specific data as evidence against you.

What Actions Can Be Considered as Refusal 

Aside from telling the officer outright that you are refusing the breathalyzer test, the following actions can also be considered as refusal.

• Not responding or remaining silent when asked: If a person doesn’t express a willingness to take a breath test, their silence is generally seen as a refusal. It’s important to note that a person’s right to remain silent doesn’t apply to questions about breath tests.
• Providing short samples: Even if someone consents to a breath test, providing a small sample or intentionally blowing less than required can result in a refusal charge. It’s also possible that someone may not be able to blow with sufficient volume for a valid reading.
• Delaying the test: If someone deliberately delays or stalls the administration of a breath test, it can be interpreted as a refusal. The Supreme Court of New Jersey has stated that someone suspected of drunk driving has no right to delay breath testing.
• Conditional Consent: Anything other than an unambiguous and unconditional agreement to take a breath test may be seen as a refusal. This includes responses such as “if…”, “can you tell me…”, or anything else that is not a clear and unconditional “yes” to taking the test.

Legality of Refusing a Breathalyzer Test

Refusing a breathalyzer test is legal, but it comes with consequences as per New Jersey’s implied consent laws. When you obtain a driver’s license in the state, you implicitly agree to submit to a breath test if you are suspected of drunk driving.

If you refuse a breathalyzer test in New Jersey, you may face the following penalties:

• First-time refusal: A minimum fine of $300 to a maximum of $500, an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle for 9 to 15 months or driver’s license suspension for that time period.
• Second-time refusal: A fine ranging from $500 to $1,000, a 1-2 year license suspension followed by an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle for 2 to 4 years. 
• Third-time refusal: A $1,000 fine, a suspension of your license for 8 years followed by an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle 2-4 years. 

Moreover, refusing a breathalyzer test exposes you to additional penalties under the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) surcharge system. This includes annual surcharges during a specified number of years.

Common Reasons for Refusal

The reasons for refusing a breath test might vary, but some common reasons include:

• Fear of inaccurate results: Breathalyzer devices can produce false readings due to improper calibration, medical conditions, or other factors. This may lead drivers to question the accuracy of the test and prefer to refuse.
• Lack of trust in the police: Some drivers might not trust the police officer administering the test or the motives of the officer requesting the test.
• Panic: Being pulled over and accused of drunk driving can be a stressful and nerve-wracking experience for the driver, leading to a panic-driven refusal.

In New Jersey, refusing a breathalyzer has consequences, and drivers should weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether or not to accept or refuse the test. Consulting with a DUI attorney can help drivers navigate this complex decision and its potential legal ramifications.

Immediate Consequences of Refusing a Breathalyzer Test

One of the most critical decisions you might need to make when pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) is whether to submit to a breathalyzer test or not. Many people refuse the test in the hope that it will better their chances of avoiding a DUI conviction. However, refusing a breathalyzer test can lead to several immediate consequences.

Observational DUI Charges vs. Breathalyzer Test Refusal

When a police officer stops a driver on suspicion of DUI, the officer has the option of placing the driver under arrest based on their observed behavior, regardless of whether a breathalyzer test is provided. If the officer has enough evidence to support a DUI charge (e.g., slurred speech, unsteady gait, or the smell of alcohol on breath), they can do so even without breathalyzer results.

Challenging Breathalyzer Test Refusal Charges

Defending against DWI charges in New Jersey can be difficult especially due to the fact that prosecutors are not allowed to plead down DWI/DUI charges. However, there are several strategies that a skilled DUI attorney can employ to possibly reduce or dismiss the charges. 

Common Defense Strategies

There are several defense strategies that can be used to challenge breathalyzer test refusal charges. The following are some of the most common:

• Invalid Arrest or Traffic Stop: The first step to challenging a breathalyzer test refusal charge is to determine if there were any procedural errors during the arrest or traffic stop. If law enforcement did not have probable cause for stopping your vehicle or arresting you on DUI suspicions, your attorney can argue that any subsequent actions or charges are invalid. Examples of potential errors include an officer not informing you of the consequences of refusing a breathalyzer test, or not having a valid reason for stopping your vehicle in the first place.
• Improper Administration of the Test: There are strict guidelines for administering breathalyzer tests, and improper administration can affect the reliability of test results. This can also apply to test refusal charges—your attorney may challenge the charge by raising questions about the calibration of the testing device, the officer’s training on using the breathalyzer, or other potential issues that could have affected the test. If the breathalyzer test was not administered properly, it may be possible to have the refusal charge dismissed.
• Medical Conditions Affecting Test Results: There are instances when a person’s medical condition may affect the accuracy of a breathalyzer test or create difficulties in providing a breath sample. For example, individuals with asthma, emphysema, or other respiratory issues may not be physically capable of producing a sufficient breath sample for testing. If you have a medical condition that may have affected the results or your ability to take the test, your attorney can argue that the refusal charge is unjustified.

Why Working With an Experienced New Jersey DWI/DUI Attorney is Essential

Challenging breathalyzer test refusal charges can be a complex and often confusing process. Having an experienced DUI attorney in New Jersey can be crucial to successfully defend against these charges. A DUI attorney can help by:

• Reviewing your case thoroughly to determine if any procedural errors occurred during your arrest, traffic stop, or administration of the breathalyzer test.
• Developing a strong defense strategy based on the unique circumstances of your case.
• Negotiating with the prosecution for alternative sentencing options.
• Representing you throughout the court process and advocating for your rights and interests at every stage.

In conclusion, facing a breathalyzer test refusal charge can be incredibly stressful, but with the right legal representation, you can challenge those charges and potentially avoid the harsh penalties that come with a conviction. If you find yourself in this situation, consult a knowledgeable New Jersey DUI attorney to protect your rights and navigate the complicated legal process.

At the Kugel Law Firm, our team of experienced New Jersey DWI/DUI attorneys work diligently to provide quality legal services and representation in defending against breathalyzer refusal charges. If you have been charged with a DWI in New Jersey, our attorneys can conduct a comprehensive investigation of your case and establish a robust defense strategy. We can assist you in understanding your charges and in navigating the legal processes involved. Contact us today to schedule a free initial strategy session at (973) 854-0098. 

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