If a law enforcement official accuses you of driving under the influence and asks you to take a chemical test, such as a breath or blood test, you may face a number of consequences if you refuse. In Encino, and communities throughout California, you may lose your driving privileges if you find yourself in this position. However, there are a number of factors that will have an impact on the amount of time your license will be revoked.
According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, drivers who have three or more previous offenses involving chemical test refusal during the past 10 years on their record will have their license revoked for three years. However, those charged with refusing to submit to a chemical test for the second time in the previous decade will have their license revoked for two years, while those charged for the first time will have their driver\’s license suspended for one year. It is also important to point out that the penalties are the same for drivers facing these charges who are under the age of 21.
If you are facing charges related to drunk driving or refusing to take a breath test, you may have a variety of concerns and be unsure of which steps to take. However, you should carefully examine the details of your circumstances and recognize your rights. You should also understand that this post is not legal advice and was put together to shed light on the penalties associated with breath test refusal.