The refusal of a person to submit to a test of the alcohol or drug concentration in the person’s breath under RCW 46.20.308 is admissible into evidence at a subsequent criminal trial. The refusal of a person to submit to a test of the person’s blood is admissible into evidence at a subsequent criminal trial when a search warrant, or an exception to the search warrant, authorized the seizure.

NOTES:

Finding2017 c 336: See note following RCW 9.96.060.
Legislative finding, purposeSeverability1987 c 373: See notes following RCW 46.61.502.
Severability1985 c 352: See note following RCW 10.05.010.
Legislative finding, intentEffective datesSeverability1983 c 165: See notes following RCW 46.20.308.

Terms Used In Washington Code 46.61.517

  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • person: may be construed to include the United States, this state, or any state or territory, or any public or private corporation or limited liability company, as well as an individual. See Washington Code 1.16.080
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.