You stop at the local bar for a couple of drinks after work. Meanwhile, you’re there a few minutes and only down a beer or two. You certainly don’t feel drunk. However, within seconds of leaving to head home, you hear sirens and flashing lights behind you. You panic. Although you were only stopped for speeding, the police officer mentions that she smells alcohol on your breath. When you are ultimately asked, you figure that refusing a breathalyzer test seems smart.
Only it’s a bad idea. Refusing a breathalyzer test when you’re sober can cause more trouble than you might imagine. Whether it’s your first DWI accusation or you’ve had a prior conviction, you won’t like what happens next. Bottom line, you should know what happens if you refuse a breathalyzer test.
New Jersey law is quite clear on the subject. According to NJSA 39:4-50.4A, refusal to submit to a breath test comes with some significant penalties. It’s not just that your license can be revoked. Additionally, it isn’t only that you could find yourself paying a ton of money for court costs, fines, and surcharges. In fact, there are further ramifications. These are especially relevant if you are considered a repeat offender under drunk driving laws.
New Court Case and Breathalyzer Refusal
Interestingly enough, a number of recent New Jersey court cases involve penalties associated with breath test refusals. Take, for example, State v. Bloodworth, which is an unpublished opinion written by the New Jersey Appellate Division. (The fact that it is unpublished means that it only applies to the named parties.)
When Bloodworth’s vehicle became lodged in a snowbank, she was unable to remove it. Witnesses called the local authorities to the scene and also reported that Bloodworth was slumped over the wheel. When the police arrived, they discovered an open bottle of liquor in the car. Fast forward ahead, Bloodworth was asked to submit to a field sobriety test. Bloodworth refused, saying she would only do so in the presence of her lawyer.
The police arrested Bloodworth and read her Miranda rights. She was subsequently asked to take a breath test. Bloodworth refused the breathalyzer and was later charged with driving while under the influence. She also received a citation for the open alcohol container and failure to show proof of insurance and motor vehicle registration.
Bloodworth was convicted of DWI, failure to submit to the breathalyzer, and possession of an open container. Notwithstanding, she appealed the judgment. One of the components of a DWI conviction is that there is proof that the driver was operating the vehicle while under the influence. Bloodworth disputed that there was credible evidence that she was operating or intended to operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated.
The court disagreed. The basis of the decision was categorized as observational evidence. In the first place, Bloodworth smelled like alcohol. She was pale and difficult to awaken. Additionally, Bloodworth had difficulty walking and had bloodshot eyes.
Upon reviewing the lower court’s decision, the Appellate Division found that Bloodworth’s attempt to dislodge the vehicle from the snowbank constituted an intent to operate the vehicle while intoxicated. Accordingly, the Appellate Division affirmed the prior decision.
Facing DWI or Breathalyzer Refusal Charges?
The Law Offices of Beninato & Matrafaljo has extensive experience representing those charged with DWI or breathalyzer refusal charges. Don’t take your chances and go without legal representation. Contact us to see how we can help.
Dan is a lawyer you want on your side, he was on point , always working on strategies on my case. btw we won our case!!! When it matters to you call him. Thanks Again Beninato & Matrafajlo
Raniero Stirpe
22:11 16 Jul 19
I had a work related incident on 11/2017. I immediately google reviewed a workers comp attorney. Beninato & Matrafajlo Law firm revealed extremely positive reviews. Without a hesitation I drove to their Elizabeth location seeking help. Attorney Andrew was very polite, courteous and resourceful with aiding my problems. Andrew assistant was just just as helpful. They kept me updated throughout the entire process via phone or email. The doctors they administered me to were pleasant as well. Even though the process took nearly 2yrs - Andrew was alongside for entire journey. On May 29, 2018 I finally went to court for work incident. Andrew prompt me on entire court process making me feel comfy and confident before speaking in front of judge. After the ordeal Beninato & Matrafajlo Law firm followed up making sure I was completely satisfied with everything. I wouldn’t of chosen anyone else! Thank You Andrew, his assistant & entire Law firm for the marvelous experience.
Kabir Portillo
23:41 05 Jul 19
Best Lawyer ever very professional flights to the very end To make sure his client is happy with the decision of a case
Jelsson Barba
01:44 28 Jun 19
Dan is the best lawyer I have ever met he did not give up he said he was going to help me and that's definitely what he did I am grateful to have him as my attorney and I will highly recommend him to anyone looking for help p.s and everyone that works at the office is extremely professional polites and very nice and I thank you as well keep up the great work
Albert Fuentes
10:54 20 May 19
Mr. Matrafajlo and his staff are both professional and kind. He went to court 5 times over 6+months fighting a traffic ticket that would of suspended my license and caused me thousands in fine and surcharges. It was dismissed with zero owed to the courts after proving DMV administrative discrepancies. Thank you so much for all your helpRenee
Renee Otoole
14:07 11 May 19
Mr. Matrafajlo and his staff are both professional and kind. He went to court 5 times over 6+months fighting a traffic ticket that would of suspended my...
First of all, I admired Dan for his understanding by putting himself on his clients shoes and fight for their best interest (outcome). For me, the definition of a great lawyer are those who "deliver" and he does.
Jay Licin
16:22 03 Apr 19
I am writing this review almost a decade after the fact......Mr. Matrafajlo is an excellent attorney. He did everything in his power to help me out. I would recommend him to anyone that was in need of an attorney.
Brian Bianco
23:24 01 Mar 19
The best of the best! I would definitely recommend Dan to my family and friends. Very professional and goes above and beyond to answer questions and to get the best results!
David Palucki
20:43 18 Jan 19
I got a 3 point ticket for doing an unsafe turn. I ended up hiring Matrafajlo. He seemed pretty confident he can get the ticket reduced to obstruction of...
I would definitely recommend Dan and his team to friends and family. The staff was very knowledgeable and helpful every time I reached out with questions. Dan and Teresa aka the Dream Team!! Everyone went above and beyond for little ‘ol me! Job well done!!
T Shipley
18:29 07 Nov 18
Dan really went above and beyond for my case . I was wrongfully accused of reckless driving . He could of just told me to take first plea deal and been done with it . Instead he suggested I refuse . The prosecutor in turn ran us around for months refusing to budge. Dan was sted fast in his support for me and never wavered. What started as a reckless driving which is a criminal offense ended as an unsafe driving ( 0 point offense). All thanks to Dan's hard work and perseverance
Cj Craddock
23:13 16 Sep 18
The best of the best, there's no other choice if you're looking for legal representation. Simply an incredible attorney. Helped me get out of a serious jam.
Jim Gilligan
22:51 08 May 18
Dan Matrafajlo was fantastic. From the moment I hired him he handled everything from scheduling my court date to representing me with my traffic ticket. Literally, all I had to do was show up to court. He put me at ease throughout the whole process and had my fine reduced dramatically!! I highly recommend him.
A J Sports
02:40 26 Apr 18
Dan Matrafajlo one the best attorneys ever I was completely satisfied and he has one of the best teams working for him .. I would and have recommended him .
Represented my mother when she had an accident, highly recommend him as an attorney
george gialamas
20:57 25 Mar 18
I don't know much about Beninato but I know a lot about Matrafajlo Danny Matrafajlo is very ambitious, smart, knowlegable, helpful lawyer I have ever know.Keep that way DannyHappy Thanksgiving to you and your family
Few months back, my husband had injured in a car accident. It seemed to be a small injury, but in fact it was brain injury and the truck who hit our car, ran away. We were so confused that how to survive and get compensation for brain injury. At that time, from my friend's reference, I got to know about Beninato & Matrafajlo Law, The firm handled our case very carefully and passionately, took the right steps for us and helped us in getting compensation. Thanks to Beninato & Matrafajlo Law!
Catelyn Martell
05:42 26 Jul 17
Dan is an outstanding lawyer he has handled personal injury cases for me for a couple of my friends he has handled matrimonial and Municipal Court tickets and everyone is happy with his services
Sove Alcequiez
20:05 23 Jul 17
I was referred to Dan Mantrafajlo by a dear friend of my that I respect greatly. This friend said that Dan was the type of lawyer that made the hard work she was putting into law school worth it...I found this to be very true. Professional, hard working, informed and willing to go above and beyond. This is a real review from a real client.
Damon O'Gara
08:12 20 Jul 17
Very professional. I highly recommend it to anybody.
Santiago Pelaez
01:46 12 Jul 17
Simply put he is the best! He was professional, prompt and always acted in my best interest. Couldn't have expected a better outcome.
Mr. Matrafajlo has represented me in a civil case where I was struck and injured by another vehicle.His professionalism and hard work truly made my experience seamless. There will be unpredictable measures that life throws at you, it always helps to have someone you trust by your side.I highly recommend Mr. Matrafajlo or anyone in this law firm to represent them if need be.-Zack
Dan Matrafajlo excellent lawyer. He solved my two previous cases. Individual approach, prompt actions, purposefully moving toward the success. Thank you Dan, yes you are the best of the best.
Dan is an excellent attorney. Unlike most attorneys Dan actually cares about your case. He went the extra mile and did countless hours of research to help me win my case. I'd give him 10 stars if I was able to.
rob cif
14:44 31 Mar 15
I starting using Dan after a VERY bad experience with a previous attorney who took advantage of our family. Dan is a great lawyer and very competent. While he specializes in personal injury, he and his office staff proved themselves on multiple occasions to be more then competent in other areas of the law. He's quick to respond and always makes us feel like our case is his top priority. I have since referred him to multiple people and their experience has been a positive one as well. His rates are reasonable and he has no desire to drag things out, file extension after extension etc. and rack up my bill as our previous attorney did. We highly recommend Dan Matrafajilo Esq., as does everyone I know who have used his services before.