In Connecticut, the implied consent law states that any person lawfully arrested by a law enforcement officer who has had probably cause to believe that person has been operating a vehicle while impaired must consent to one of the following chemical tests:
- Breath
- Urine
- Blood
These tests are used to determine the person’s blood alcohol content and must be administered within two hours of when the person was driving. The arresting officer can choose which test should be administered. If the arrestee refuses to take the test, the officer can choose one of the other tests.
What Happens if a Person Refuses to Take Any Chemical Test?
When arrested, the law enforcement officer must explain to the driver their constitutional rights. In addition, the arresting officer must explain the following:
- The arrestee has the right to contact a lawyer before submitting to a test
- The arrestee’s license will be suspended if he or she refuses to submit to a chemical test
- The evidence of the arrestee’s refusal to take the test may be used against him or her in the court
Connecticut laws also state that a person can face different penalties depending on how many times the driver refused chemical tests. Below is a list explaining the possible penalties:
- 1st offense: Suspension of driver’s license for up to six months
- 2nd offense: Suspension of driver’s license for up to one year
- 3rd offense: Suspension of driver’s license for up to three years
Have You Been Arrested for Driving Under the Influence? Contact The Sills Law Firm
If you have been accused of driving while impaired, you need to retain an experienced lawyer immediately. Whether you were driving drunk or not, your future and rights are at stake. Because Connecticut drunk driving laws are harsh, you can face a lifetime of serious consequences if you do not put aggressive legal advocacy on your side of the courtroom. At The Sills Law Firm, our Connecticut DUI defense attorneys work hard to safeguard the freedoms of our clients and do not stop until we have obtained the most positive results possible.
Protect your future by calling our Connecticut DUI defense lawyers right away! We are backed by over 64 years of collective experience!
