Roadside sobriety tests are optional, but there are pros and cons to not submitting.
When a person is suspected of DUI, an officer will ask the person to submit to sobriety testing. Submitting to these roadside sobriety tests during a traffic stop are the driver’s option, but refusing does come with its own consequences.
Here are a few reasons why drivers refuse the drunk driving tests:
1. The Feeling of Against One’s Civil Rights: Some people believe that submitting to roadside tests violates their civil liberties. Therefore, they feel that it is their right to refuse.
2. Evidence Against You: It is also felt that by submitting to these tests, you are providing the State with evidence against you for which they would not be entitled.
3. Consequences of Refusal: If a person refuses to submit to these roadside sobriety tests and the officer feels that the person is under the influence, then the officer will very likely not take any chances and will arrest the driver. If the driver refuses the Blood, Breath or Urine Test, then, they likely will have their license suspended for refusing to comply with the “Implied Consent” law. Â Additionally, the jury will hear about the refusal.
If you are facing a charge that could result in a license suspension in North Georgia or Hall County, you should consider consulting a lawyer that is knowledgeable in the field. This helps to provide that best possible defenses and make the more well informed decisions regarding your rights and options when considering how best to maintain your driver’s license and avoid suspension.
At A. Bishop Law, our Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney welcomes questions on Criminal Defense laws, Traffic Laws and Georgia DUI laws. Please Call or Email us with any questions.
About the attorney:  Anne Bishop is a Georgia Lawyer with A. Bishop Law in Gainesville, Georgia and handles various DUI / DWI, Marijuana Arrests and other Georgia Criminal Defense matters.  The law office of A. Bishop Law can assist clients throughout Georgia including: Hall County (Gainesville, Oakwood, Flowery Branch), Jackson County  (Jefferson, Braselton) White County (Helen, Cleveland), Lumpkin County (Dahlonega), Dawson County (Dawsonville), Habersham County (Demorest, Cornelia), and all of Northeast Georgia.
This article and/or video should not be considered nor relied upon as legal advice since it is only intended for general overview and informational purposes. Please consult with an attorney on your specific situation in order to determine an appropriate legal course of action.