A DUI, or driving under the influence, conviction can serious impair an individual’s ability to live normal, everyday life. Convictions for DUI carry license suspensions, fines, jail time and/or probation, mandatory classes and, often times, will impede a person’s ability to perform their job, since most people need a car to get to work and/or drive for work. In other words, a DUI arrest is not something to be taken lightly. Also, just because you didn’t “blow” into the breathalyzer, or have your blood drawn, doesn’t mean that you can’t be convicted. In fact, the prosecution will often argue that your refusal shows “consciousness of guilt” and, if convicted, a refusal to give a breath or blood sample can carry more serious penalties then if you had given your breath or blood. Also, if you have prior DUI convictions, then the penalties will be higher for a second or subsequent conviction, depending on when the prior DUI conviction took place. Furthermore, if the breath or blood wasn’t taken within a certain time frame, then that can work to your advantage at trial, as well. If you or someone you know has been charged with DUI, call an experienced criminal defense attorney like Tom to help you.