If the police suspect that you are intoxicated while you’re on the road, they might ask you to take a Breathalyzer test to assess your blood alcohol concentration. Technically, you could refuse to take the test. However, Texas is a no-refusal state, meaning that you could face severe consequences if you don’t take a Breathalyzer test.
What does “no-refusal” mean?
In a no-refusal state, you’ll automatically lose your license if you refuse to take the Breathalyzer test. This might make it harder for the police to charge you with a DWI, but you’ll still have to face legal consequences that could affect virtually every aspect of your life. This practice is perfectly legal and often involves the use of an electronic warrant.
Since the police are technically committing search and seizure, they need a warrant to give you a Breathalyzer test. With advances in modern technology, they don’t need a paper warrant; they could request an electronic warrant from a judge and force you to take a Breathalyzer test without facing legal challenges. In the state of Texas, an officer could even use force to make you take the test.
Civil rights organizations have questioned the law, but many states still have no-refusal laws on the books. Others only enforce their no-refusal laws during weekends and other high-traffic periods.
What should you do if the police pull you over?
You might want to talk to an attorney to figure out your options if the police pull you over. Making a single mistake could have harsh legal consequences in the future. In any case, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to answer any questions until your attorney arrives. A legal professional may help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.