Here is what you should know:

1. You can refuse  a voluntary request by law enforcement to submit to what is referred to as field sobriety examinations, i.e., roadside balance and coordination test.

2. You can refuse to submit to a voluntary breath alcohol content, or breathalyzer test.

3. Know that your refusal to submit to the breathalyzer will result in a one year suspension of your driver's license for a first time refusal, and longer if you refused a breathalyzer in the past, as opposed to a six month suspension if you fail the breathalyzer;

4. Know that if you refuse you will be ineligible for a hardship driver's permit for 90 days thereafter, as opposed to 30 days thereafter if you fail the test;

5. But also know, by submitting to field sobriety examinations and the breathalyzer test, your legal defense is more difficult. This is true despite the fact that your refusal to voluntarily submit to the breathalyzer is admi ssible in court against you.

6. You have 10 days from the date of your arrest to appeal to the Department of Motor Vehicles the suspension of your license. If you prevail in this hearing your suspension can be reversed and your license reinstated. Understand that the DMV suspension is in addition to and separate from any suspension the court will impose for driving under the influence. Driving under the influence in the state of Florida has serious consequences. The consequences go far beyond mandatory fines, cost, community service, substance abuse evaluations, driver's license suspensions, vehicle impoundment and driver improvement courses for first time offenders, to increased fines and cost, mandatory jail time, increased periods of license suspensions and the placement, at your expense of interlock ignition devices for repeat offenders. If you are under the influence and cause property damage and/or injury to others, the consequences are even more severe. If you cause the death of another while operating a motor vehicle under the influence, under current sentencing guidelines in the State of Florida, you face lengthy mandatory prison sentences. As if these consequences are not enough, you will face exorbitant insurance premiums, and the hardship of being unable to drive.

Call or email David Kerce right now for a free consultation. Time is of the Essence.  386-258-0073, toll free 888-363-0233; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it