What are the Penalties for Refusal of an Alcohol Test?

I am often asked as a New Jersey DWI Lawyer what goes on when refusing an alcohol test at a traffic stop. You have absolutely no right to refuse to take the alcohol test. You also don’t have the right to ask for an attorney prior to taking the test. It may be considered a refusal if you do not blow hard enough into the machine for it to take an accurate sample from you. I advise clients as a New Jersey DWI Lawyer that for a first offense, you are facing a seven to twelve month loss of license plus monetary fines. You must also install an interlock ignition device in your vehicle. For a second violation of a refusal statute, you are facing a two-year loss of license, heavier fines, and the interlock ignition device. For a third offense, you are facing ten years loss of license, the interlock device, and heavier fines.

If you have refused a breathalyzer or alcohol test, contact our experienced New Jersey DWI Lawyer.