Never Say "NO" to a Breathalyzer!

Today I decided to write about weekend events.

I am often asked questions at social gatherings about legal matters, you know "the "my friend" who has a problem" question .

"Should I blow into the breathalyzer" is a common question.

In Canada, if while driving, you are stopped by the police who make a lawful demand of you to blow into a breathalyzer and you don’t comply, you will be charged with the criminal offence of refusing a breathalyzer.

The penalties for refusing to provide a breath sample are harsh, just as are driving over .08 and impaired driving. The consequences upon conviction include fines, imprisonment, loss of your driver's licence and a Canada-wide driving prohibition. To regain your licence you may have to participate in mandatory alcohol counselling and pay sharply higher insurance rates. In addition, you will have a criminal record.

Therefore when people call and ask “Should I blow?” the answer is always “yes”.  Not blowing will hamper the defences available to you if in fact you are drinking and driving and will not get you out of your predicament. Refusing to blow is not a wise choice.

It is very important to obtain strong and effective legal representation at the earliest opportunity.

In simple terms if you or the "friend" is asked by an officer for a breath sample - give it. Saying “no” is a criminal offence. By not blowing you will not know if you were under the limit, perhaps resulting in no charge being laid.  If you are over the limit, you compromise your defences.

The police do have to tell you that refusal is a criminal offence and they may even describe the penalties for refusal. In providing this information the police are not trying to trick you into taking the breathalyzer. Let your lawyer review whether the demand was lawful, do not make that assessment yourself.

If you have questions, even when being asked to provide a breath sample, exercise your right to legal counsel and make a call to counsel.