What are the consequences of refusing a field sobriety test?

In the State of California, refusing a field sobriety test can have serious consequences. When a police officer has reasonable cause to believe that someone is driving under the influence of alcohol, they may request the driver to submit to a field sobriety test. A field sobriety test is a set of physical and mental exercises designed to measure a driver’s level of intoxication. If a driver refuses to submit to a field sobriety test, the police officer can use the refusal as evidence of guilt. The officer may then arrest the driver on suspicion of driving under the influence, and the driver could face license suspension, fines, and even jail time. Additionally, if the driver refuses to submit to a chemical test (such as a breathalyzer exam) or take a blood alcohol test, they can be charged with an “implied consent” violation. This is a separate criminal charge that can result in license suspension, fines, and even jail time. In summary, refusing to submit to a field sobriety test can have serious consequences in the State of California. Anyone who is asked to submit to a test should comply with the request to avoid criminal penalties.

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