Medical Conditions Considered No Excuse for Test Refusal

Refusal of chemical testing when arrested for a DUI can land you in hot water with both law enforcement officials and the Department of Motor Vehicles.  You will lose your driving privileges for a length of time determined by any previous test refusals and any special circumstances surrounding your refusal.  In some states, you will also face criminal charges that can lead to fines, jail time, and other stiff penalties that make your life difficult.  It is one thing to refuse chemical testing because you know you will fail the test, but what about people with medical conditions who feel that chemical testing would have a negative impact on their health?  Someone who takes blood thinners for blood clotting diseases or cardiovascular conditions may not want to submit to blood testing because of the potential to have a serious bleeding problem after the test.  If urine and breath testing are not used in their area, they have no choice but to submit to a test that could harm them or refuse the test and pay the penalties.  Someone with an immune deficiency disease may be concerned about the safety of the testing procedures being used and want to refuse testing because they are concerned about infection or a weakening of their immune system.  There’s no sympathy for these individuals on the part of lawmakers; everyone must submit to chemical testing when asked to do so or they will face the penalties outlined above.  Not only must these people suffer from what can sometimes be debilitating health conditions, they also have to suffer the consequences of refusing chemical testing, even if the testing procedures have the potential to harm their bodies.  This is another example of how the “one size fits all” testing system is unreliable and needs to be changed for the benefit of all citizens.  If you refused chemical testing because of a verifiable medical condition, contact a Riverside DUI attorney immediately to preserve your rights and get help.