In Kansas, Refusing a Sobriety Test Is No Longer a Crime

Published: 5 July 2019 | 4:49PM

                    man refusing breathalyzer test from police

Effective July 1, under a change in state law, Kansas drivers can no longer be charged with a crime for refusing a sobriety test. The Wichita Eagle published an article on July 2, 2019, about this change, and DUI Defense Attorney, B. Keith Edwards responded to the editor with the following:

On the front page of the July 2, 2019, print edition of the Eagle was an article entitled, “You can refuse a sobriety test now.” That headline is dangerously misleading to someone without time to dig into the article. A more accurate title would be, “Refusing a sobriety test is no longer a crime.”

Most people are unaware that the driver’s physical license is confiscated as part of almost every arrest for driving under the influence. That starts a process to suspend driving privileges, and a driver only has 14 days to try and save his license by filing an appeal with the Department of Revenue.

It is entirely possible to “beat” criminal DUI charges but still suffer the civil penalties associated with sobriety tests. The recent change in the law did not reduce those penalties.

Do not drink and drive. If you are stopped for driving under the influence, contact a knowledgeable DUI defense lawyer as quickly as possible. Stay safe.

Our Locations

Kansas City | 816-673-3900

926 Cherry St
Kansas City, MO 64106
VISIT SITE

Lawrence | 785-856-0143

5200 Bob Billings Pkwy, #201
Lawrence, KS 66049
VISIT SITE

Overland Park | 913-948-9490

10104 W 105th St
Overland Park, KS 66212
VISIT SITE

Topeka | 785-234-3272

1508 SW Topeka Blvd
Topeka, KS 66612
VISIT SITE

Wichita | 316-262-9393

500 N Market St
Wichita, KS 67214
VISIT SITE

Contact Joseph, Hollander & Craft LLC

Contact Joseph, Hollander & Craft to discuss how our team of attorneys can help you.

Hidden
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.