Fighting a DUI Refusal

DUI RefusalUnder California’s implied consent laws, any driver who is lawfully arrested on suspicion of DUI is required to submit to chemical testing when requested by a law enforcement officer. A driver who refuses testing will face a yearlong driver’s license suspension and can still be charged with DUI along with a refusal allegation. There are many ways to fight a DUI refusal case and it is imperative that you discuss your case with a qualified DUI attorney if you have been accused of DUI refusal.

Refusal Requirements

Before a DUI arrest will be deemed a refusal, there are certain requirements that law enforcement must follow. The driver must be read a refusal admonishment informing the driver of his or her obligation to submit to chemical testing. The driver must be informed that test refusal will result in criminal charges as well as a driver’s license suspension. If the officer does not properly communicate this to the driver, any subsequent test refusal may deemed invalid in court.

The officer must also inform the driver of his or her testing options and must give the driver a chance to refuse each approved form of testing. Many law enforcement officers discourage drivers from taking a blood test, as it requires transporting the driver to a hospital or other facility and is more time intensive. However, the driver must refuse both the breath test and the blood test for a refusal to be legally valid.

In addition, there may be physical conditions that limit a driver’s ability to understand or comply with the testing requirement. This is often the case where drivers have been involved in a traffic collision and may be suffering the effects of a concussion or other physical impairment.

Refusals in the DMV Hearing

Drivers who refuse testing will face a yearlong suspension of their driving privileges during which they would not be eligible for a restricted license. This suspension is automatically imposed unless the driver proactively requests an administrative hearing within 10 days of his or her arrest. The administrative per se hearing is held by a DMV hearing officer who is neither a judge nor an attorney. The driver is allowed to be represented by counsel during this hearing, which is highly recommended.

In many DUI refusal hearings, the hearing officer will call the arresting officer as a witness to testify about the driver’s refusal. The driver’s attorney would be given an opportunity to cross-examine the officer. If the officer did not comply with Title 17 admonishment requirements or if there was no reasonable or probable cause to stop the driver’s vehicle or arrest the driver, the DMV will issue a “set aside” order that will effectively dismiss the driver’s license suspension. If the defendant is convicted of the underlying DUI in court, his or her driving privileges may still be suspended, however the suspension period would be shorter and the driver would be able to get a restricted license

Refusals in the Court Case

If the driver refused testing, the prosecutor can still file DUI charges under California Vehicle Code Section 23152(a) VC as well as a refusal allegation. The refusal will add a minimum of 48 hours in jail to any underlying DUI sentence. The prosecutor may be willing to drop the refusal allegation as part of a plea agreement or the defense may be able to show how a valid DUI refusal did not occur.

If you have been arrested for DUI and there is a refusal allegation, it is critical that you review your case with an experienced DUI attorney right away. Michael Kraut is a former Deputy District Attorney with over 14 years of prosecutorial experience who is recognized for his expertise in DUI law and works hard to ensure his clients receive the most comprehensive defense possible.

For more information about fighting a DUI refusal, contact the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers located at 6255 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 1520, Los Angeles, CA 90028. Mr. Kraut can be reached 24/7 at 888-334-6344 or 323-464-6453.

Share |
Featured on CNN
ABC News
NBC News
Los Angeles Times
CBS News
Today
The New York Times
Us Weekly
Entertainment Tonight
Good Morning America
Legal Broadcast Network
Avvo Rating 10.0
Client Reviews
★★★★★
Michael Kraut is outstanding! He genuinely cared about my case and instructed my mom and I throughout the entire process. He was very clear on what he needed in order to receive the best results. He kept us updated until the end. I thank him so much for getting my charges rejected. I highly recommend him to anyone with legal needs! Shaquan
★★★★★
I contacted Michael with concern for my personal and business reputation. He was very reassuring and confident the entire time. After about 3 weeks it was determined that no charges were being filed by any agency and I was in the clear of any investigation. One thing that is amazing is just how FAST Michael is at replying to phone calls, texts, and even emails! We are talking under 30 minutes in most cases. That is unheard of for most attorneys! Michael is incredible and not your typical run of the mill attorney. For best results hire him if you feel like you might be under investigation or could face charges. Even if you know you are innocent it is best to take care of the smoke before it becomes a fire. Brad
★★★★★
Michael Kraut is-hands down-the best criminal defense attorney and I can't begin to thank him for all that he did for me and my family. I reached out to him in the middle of the night and less than a couple hours later, he had gotten back to me and scheduled a meeting. He's a no-nonsense attorney who knows how to get the job done! From the second we retained him, I had peace of mind in knowing that we were in the best hands possible. If Michael Kraut couldn't get it done, I knew that it couldn't be done at all. You can't put a price tag on your freedom. He was worth every single penny. Lida
★★★★★
Michael Kraut is an outstanding attorney. He was extremely professional, and straightforward, yet sensitive with my case. I am confident I made the right choice by hiring Michael. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a truly experienced lawyer. Daniel
★★★★★
Michael Kraut - I cannot thank you enough for all that you did for ​my son. When I came to you I read that you used to be a district attorney but I never knew how much that meant until I watch you in court. I knew it took 3 months but the final day when I heard the judge say that all charges were dismissed it was all worth it! I will always be grateful for all that you did for us. A.N.