At the end of last year, the prosecutor of the Northern Kurzeme Prosecutor's Office issued a directive for punishment for a driver who refused to take a breath alcohol test. The punishment turned out to be very serious, writes kriminal.lv.
A driver (pensioner) who was driving a Honda Civic was stopped on December 13 in Ventspils in a parking lot near a store. Local police suspected that the driver was drunk and decided to check. However, he refused to take the test.
Due to the driver's refusal, a criminal case was initiated.
It should be noted that as of January 1, 2025, changes in legislation regarding refusal to take an alcohol test came into effect - for over a year now, this has been punishable by criminal liability.
During the proceedings, the driver admitted his guilt and expressed remorse. However, this did not save the pensioner from severe punishment.
Here is what prosecutor Nauris Pinkovskis determined for the pensioner:
-
A suspended sentence (supervision of the offender) for 1 year and 6 months;
-
Revocation of driving rights for 5 years;
-
The Honda Civic, which had already been seized earlier, to be confiscated and transferred to the Ministry of the Interior.
-
To recover from the offender the costs for the Honda Civic (reception, transportation, and storage after seizure) - 490.09 euros.
What are the consequences of refusing an alcohol test
As of January 1, 2025, for drivers of motor vehicles, refusal to take an alcohol test will lead to criminal liability.
Refusal to undergo testing for alcohol or drug intoxication is punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, short-term imprisonment, or probation (police supervision) with the revocation of driving rights for a period of five years.
Previously, it was advantageous for an intoxicated driver to refuse the test and seek a check in a medical institution - thus buying time during which the alcohol concentration would decrease, possibly allowing them to avoid liability, including criminal.
