The most recent celebrity to be arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) is Lamar Odom, an NBA star and husband of reality tv actress Khloe Kardashian Odom. He was arrested late August after being pulled over for driving much below the speed limit.
Odom then refused to take the chemical blood test at the police station, which in California means that his driver's license will be automatically suspended for one year.
Not all states have the same punishment as California for a refusal of the blood test, but many, if not most, do have consequences and it is important as a driver to be aware of the law in your state.
Here in Illinois, a suspect charged with their first DUI who refuses the breath test will also lose their driving privileges for a one-year suspension, and if you refuse a blood test the punishment is the same. But in Illinois, an individual can contest their suspension and try to have it removed, or you can have a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) installed in your car and drive while using it for the remainder of your suspension after the first 30 days.
It is important to know your rights so you can make an informed decision under tough circumstances.
Here at the Toney Law Firm we take on DUI and Traffic cases whether you submit to a breath test, a blood test or no test. We will help you contest your suspension. Each case is unique and we give each client the individual attention they need.