DUI Refusal Lawyer Prince Frederick, MD | Breathalyzer Defense
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you—or someone you care about—refused to take a breathalyzer during a traffic stop in Prince Frederick or somewhere else in Calvert County.
Maybe you were scared.
Maybe you didn’t know what to do.
Maybe the officer didn’t explain the consequences clearly.
I’ve seen it all—and I want you to understand something right away:
Refusing the test doesn’t make the DUI charge go away.
In fact, in Maryland, it triggers automatic penalties, whether you were legally intoxicated or not.
Maryland Is a “Consent” State—And That Changes Everything
Maryland operates under implied consent laws.
That means if you’re pulled over and the officer suspects DUI, just having a driver’s license means you’ve already “agreed” to chemical testing.
So what happens if you say no?
The MVA Hits Fast—and Hard
If you refuse the test:
- Your license is automatically suspended for 270 days (first offense)
- A second refusal bumps that to 2 years
- You’ll be offered an ignition interlock program or face total suspension
- You only have 10 days to request an MVA hearing, or you lose your license by default
I’ve had clients come to me on Day 11, and unfortunately, at that point, it’s too late to stop the suspension from starting.
What Happens in Court?
On the criminal side, the refusal can be used against you as evidence of guilt. Prosecutors argue that if you were truly sober, you would’ve taken the test.
But I don’t let that narrative go unchallenged.
At Haskell & Dyer, I build defenses around:
- Whether you were properly advised of your rights
- Whether the officer had probable cause to ask for the test
- If the stop itself was legal
- Whether medical conditions or confusion influenced your refusal
Don’t Let a Refusal Sink Your Defense
There’s a misconception that refusing the breathalyzer makes the case easier. In reality, it can make the penalties worse and complicate your options—unless you have an attorney who knows how to work both sides of the system.
“Your license is too important to risk. If you refused the test, don’t wait. Let me fight for your driving privileges and your record.”
— Jonathan L. Haskell, Esq.
Act Fast. Time Is Critical After a Refusal.
Every day you wait after a DUI refusal in Calvert County makes your defense harder. I’ll help you request an MVA hearing, prepare your court strategy, and explore every way to reduce the damage—whether it’s through dismissal, PBJ, or negotiated resolution.
👉 Book your consultation online now or call us directly at 301-627-5844.
By Jonathan L. Haskell, Esq., Criminal Defense Attorney
DUI & Traffic Violations – Calvert County
