Refusing a Maryland Breathalyzer Test

A Breathalyzer machine is used by Maryland law enforcement to determine if you are under the influence of alcohol. It is typically administered in the field after a traffic stop. These machines are designed to measure the amount of alcohol in your body using a measurement known as the Blood Alcohol Content, or BAC. In Maryland, the legal limit for drunk driving is 0.08 BAC. If your breathalyzer test result is .08 or greater, you will likely be arrested for DUI/DWI.

You can refuse to take a breathalyzer test. But, if you do you may face additional penalties under Maryland law. You can immediately lose your driving privileges for refusing a breath test. So while you can refuse any test an officer wishes to subject you to, you must be ready to face the potential results of your refusal.

Breathalyzer test results are often at the center of the state's DUI/DWI case against you. These tests are not without error, however. Similarly to field sobriety tests, how they are administered and the training received by the arresting officer can affect the test results and the strength of those results as evidence in a criminal case.

No matter how damning the evidence against you seems, a Maryland DUI attorney can help make the best of your circumstances. Your driving privileges, your reputation, and even your freedom can be at stake in a Maryland DUI case. An experienced defense lawyer can be the biggest asset when you are facing such charges.

If you are in need of a Maryland DUI attorney or have questions about your own breathalyzer test refusal, contact the Law Offices of David Benowitz today.