What You Need to Know About DUI Blood and Breath Tests in Mesa, AZ

If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Mesa, AZ, knowing your rights and understanding the choices you face during the process is crucial. One of the most confusing moments during a DUI arrest is when the officer asks you to consent to a blood or breath test. In this high-pressure situation, it’s important to know the implications of your decision and the potential consequences for your driver’s license and legal record.

What Happens During a DUI Arrest in Mesa, AZ?

After being stopped and arrested for a DUI, the officer will ask you to take a blood or breath test to measure your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). These tests are part of Arizona’s Implied Consent Law, which means that by driving in the state, you’ve already agreed to submit to chemical testing if lawfully arrested for a DUI.

The officer is required to inform you of the consequences of refusing or consenting to the test. Here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision in the moment.

What Happens If You Consent to the Test?

If you consent to a blood or breath test and your BAC is above 0.08% (the legal limit in Arizona for drivers 21 and older):

• License Suspension: Your driver’s license will be suspended for 90 days by the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).
• Evidence Against You: The test results will be used as evidence in your DUI case, which could lead to further penalties, including fines, mandatory alcohol education classes, and even jail time depending on your BAC level.

What Happens If You Refuse the Test?

If you refuse to take the blood or breath test:

• License Suspension: The MVD will automatically suspend your license for one year, regardless of your actual BAC. This suspension is harsher than the 90-day suspension for failing the test.
• Legal Implications: Refusing the test doesn’t mean you won’t face DUI charges. In fact, your refusal can be used as evidence against you in court, as prosecutors may argue that you refused because you were impaired.
• Forced Testing: In some cases, officers can obtain a warrant to conduct a blood test even if you refuse, which means your BAC could still be tested.

The High Stakes of Refusing a DUI Test

While refusing a test might seem like a way to avoid evidence against you, the consequences are often more severe. Arizona takes DUI offenses very seriously, and Mesa police officers are trained to navigate refusal situations. Refusal can lead to:

1. Longer License Suspensions: Losing your license for a year can significantly impact your daily life, especially in a car-dependent city like Mesa.
2. Aggressive Prosecution: Prosecutors may view your refusal as an admission of guilt and pursue harsher penalties.
3. Additional Legal Complexity: Navigating a DUI case with a refusal adds layers of challenges, especially when the state obtains a warrant for testing after your refusal.

Always Ask to Speak to a Lawyer

In the heat of the moment, being asked to make a decision about testing can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s critical to ask to speak to a lawyer immediately after being arrested. Here’s why this step matters:

• Clarifying Your Rights: A lawyer can explain your rights and help you understand the immediate consequences of your decision.
• Protecting Your Interests: Your attorney can intervene to ensure that the testing process and arrest are conducted lawfully.
• Strategizing Your Defense: Even before the case proceeds, a lawyer can begin crafting a defense strategy that minimizes the impact of the DUI charge on your life.

What to Do If You’re Arrested for a DUI in Mesa, AZ

If you’re arrested for a DUI in Mesa, here are some steps to follow:

1. Stay Calm: Do not argue or resist the officer.
2. Provide Basic Information: Hand over your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.
3. Politely Decline Field Sobriety Tests: You are not required to perform these roadside tests, and they can often work against you.
4. Ask for a Lawyer: Clearly state that you want to speak with an attorney before making any decisions about blood or breath tests.

How Grand Canyon Law Group Can Help

At Grand Canyon Law Group, we have extensive experience defending clients facing DUI charges in Mesa and across Maricopa County. We understand the complexities of Arizona DUI laws and are dedicated to protecting your rights and minimizing the impact of these charges on your life.

What We Offer:

• Expert Guidance: We’ll explain your rights and options during every step of the DUI process.
• Aggressive Defense: We’ll challenge the validity of the traffic stop, the testing methods, and any procedural errors.
• Compassionate Support: We know how stressful DUI charges can be, and we’re here to guide you through the legal process with care and professionalism.

Don’t Face DUI Charges Alone

A DUI arrest can have lasting consequences, but you don’t have to navigate this challenge by yourself. Contact Grand Canyon Law Group today at (480) 573-6441 for a confidential consultation. Let us help you understand your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

FAQs

1. Can I refuse a DUI blood or breath test in Arizona?
Yes, but refusal comes with a one-year license suspension and may still result in DUI charges.

2. What happens if my BAC is above 0.08%?
Your license will be suspended for 90 days, and you may face additional DUI penalties, including fines, alcohol education, and jail time.

3. Can police force me to take a blood test?
Yes, if they obtain a warrant, officers can perform a blood test even if you refuse.