Can a driver who refuses a breath test still be convicted for DUI?

A driver who refuses a breath test can indeed be convicted of DUI based on other evidence. Law enforcement agencies are trained to assess a driver’s impairment through field sobriety tests, which evaluate physical and cognitive abilities that may be affected by alcohol consumption. Additionally, officers’ observations and testimonies about a driver’s behavior, impairment signs, and other circumstantial evidence can all contribute to a successful DUI conviction.

It’s important to understand that refusal to take a breath test may lead to immediate administrative penalties, such as license suspension, but the absence of a breath test does not preclude the prosecution from building a case for DUI based on available evidence. This allows for enforcement of DUI laws even if the driver does not provide chemical evidence through breath tests.