SPOKANE, WA · TEST REFUSAL
LICENSE + CRIMINAL CONSEQUENCES
Under Washington’s implied consent law, refusing an evidential breath test after a DUI arrest has consequences for your license and your criminal case. Refusal generally leads to a longer license revocation than a failed test.
A refusal can be used as evidence at trial, and it can place a DUI conviction in a higher penalty tier. The roadside portable breath test is treated differently from the evidential test at the station.
The details of how the implied consent warnings were given — and exactly what was said — can matter a great deal in a refusal case.
Chris Bugbee examines the arrest, the implied consent warnings and the officer’s report to see whether the refusal was properly established.
As a former Spokane County prosecutor with 30+ years of criminal law experience and nearly 200 jury cases, he handles your case personally.
WHAT TO KNOW
The officer must have had grounds for the arrest and must have given the required warnings correctly. Confusion, medical issues and miscommunication can all play a role.
A refusal also triggers the DOL process, so the 7-day deadline to request a hearing still applies.
If you refused a test, request your DOL hearing within 7 days — the license consequences are significant.
LICENSE
CRIMINAL CASE
LEARN MORE
Refused a test? Call Bugbee Law Office, P.S. today — the DOL deadline is short.
FREE CASE EVALUATION
Speak directly with an experienced Spokane DUI attorney about your case and your options.
The information on this website is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Read the full disclaimer.
