If you’ve been pulled over under suspicion of driving under the influence, you may have thought about refusing to submit to a breathalyzer test. However, every state has implied consent laws that carry significant penalties for refusing a chemical test, some of which may be just as serious as a DUI conviction. Below are some of the reasons DUI attorneys recommend complying with the officer’s request for a breath or blood sample.

3 Penalties for Failing to Submit to a Breathalyzer

1. Suspended License

While state law won’t force you to take a breathalyzer test, it will suspend your driving privileges, even if you aren’t ultimately convicted of a DUI. In Pennsylvania, drivers who refuse to take a chemical breath test will have their licenses suspended for one year, or up to 18 months, if they have previously lost their privileges for a similar reason.

2. License Restoration Fees

In most states, drivers whose licenses have been suspended will have to pay a fee to restore their privileges, often at a substantial cost. In Pennsylvania, for instance, the restoration fee may be up to $2,000, not including any other fines or court costs you’ve been ordered to pay.

3. DUI Conviction

Even if the prosecution doesn’t obtain a warrant ordering you to submit to testing, they may still be able to obtain a conviction on DUI charges. In Pennsylvania and many other states, refusal to submit to testing can be used as evidence against you, limiting your DUI attorney’s ability to achieve the best possible outcome.

If you’ve been accused of driving under the influence, you need a skilled DUI attorney with an accomplished track record of success. The legal team at Bitar & Bitar, LLP has been serving Western Pennsylvania drivers since 1974, providing aggressive representation and expertise to those who need it the most. Visit their website for more on their criminal defense services and call (724) 339-1025 to speak with an experienced DUI attorney today.