chemical dui testing california

California’s “Implied Consent” DUI Law: Understand the Difference Between the Preliminary Alcohol Screening Device and the Mandatory Chemical Test in California – Vehicle Code 23152
By DUI Defense Attorney on March 5, 2010

It is important to understand that California imposes what is referred to as an “implied consent” law. This law states that if you drive a car in California, and are lawfully arrested for a California DUI, you are deemed to have given consent to the chemical testing of either your:

  1. blood;
  2. breath; or
  3. urine (only in cases where you are suspected of driving under the influence of drugs).

This means that you are required by law to submit to a chemical test to determine the alcohol and/or drug content in your body after you have been lawfully arrested for a California DUI.

However, the hand-held Preliminary Alcohol Screening (“PAS”) test that may be offered at the scene of the vehicle stop, before you get arrested, is not mandatory under this or any California law. Understand that your submission to the PAS test on the side of the road does not absolve you of your legal duty to submit to a subsequent chemical test at the police station.

Although the PAS test is non-mandatory for adults, it is mandatory for those under 21. If you are under 21 and suspected of DUI, you are also deemed to have given consent to the PAS and an additional blood, breath, or urine test.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI, it is critical that you talk to an experiences criminal defense attorney. At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have over 30 years experience in defending DUI cases. Our attorneys will defend your rights and fight for the best possible result in your case. Call us at 888-764-2615 or visit us on our website at www.wklaw.com. We will be there when you call.

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At Wallin & Klarich, we approach every case with the belief that the person we're defending could easily be one of our own family members. We've seen firsthand how stressful legal matters can be for our clients and their loved ones. We are committed to being available to our clients at all times -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you or someone you love is facing drunk driving charges in Southern California, you should call Wallin & Klarich today for a free evaluation of your case. Call 1-888-764-2615 or fill out our online consultation form to get in contact with a legal professional today. We will be there when you call.

California DUI Defense Lawyer Disclaimer: The legal information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice, nor the formation of a lawyer or attorney client relationship. Any results set forth herein are based upon the facts of that particular case and do not represent a promise or guarantee. Please contact a criminal attorney for a consultation on your particular legal matter. This web site is not intended to solicit clients for matters outside of the state of California.

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