New Orleans DWI Defense Attorneys: Implied Consent
If you are pulled over by a police officer on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, you may be asked to submit to a chemical test of your breath, blood, or urine. Under Louisiana's implied consent law, refusal to submit to one of these tests is a violation of the conditions of your driver's license, and it can result in your driver's license being suspended.
If you refuse to take the test, you can be cited for an "administrative per se" offense of refusal to submit to an alcohol analysis test.
At the Law Offices of Troy G. Broussard, J.D., we are aggressive New Orleans DWI defense attorneys with more than 20 years of experience defending people against drunk-driving charges, including implied consent violations. If you were pulled over for suspicion of drunk driving and refused to blow, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your options.
Refusing to Blow Could Mean Losing Your License
At times, the consequences of refusing to take a chemical test at the request of an officer are more damaging than the penalties for failing the chemical test.
If you refuse to blow into a Breathalyzer or Intoxilyzer or to take another chemical test as requested by the police, your driver’s license could be suspended for up to six months following an administrative hearing — or it could be suspended for up to a year.
If you are pulled over for a second DWI and refuse the test, your license could be suspended for 545 days, and you no longer qualify for a hardship license.
Under Louisiana law, first- and second-time offenders who refuse to take a chemical test could also be required to install an ignition interlock system — and pay for the monthly cost.
A third refusal offense is punishable with the same penalties as a first-offense DWI: up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, and a 90-day driver's license suspension.
You have the right to defend yourself from a charge of refusal to submit to an alcohol analysis test. Our New Orleans DWI defense attorneys work hard to keep you driving.
Our Lawyers Will Defend Your Rights
If you refused chemical testing when you were pulled over for a DWI, you have options. You have the right to appeal or challenge your implied consent citation. If you do submit to chemical testing, you also have the right to fight your chemical test results in a DWI case.
If your license is suspended, we will contest your license suspension with the Office of Motor Vehicles and work to put you back in the driver’s seat. Contact a New Orleans DWI defense attorney.
