Taking the Breathalyzer In McHenry County, Illinois

There has been a lot of discussion on whether to take the breathalyzer.  Let’s clear up some of the mystery.  If you have never had a DUI before and you take the breathalyzer, if you fail your license will be suspended for 6 months.  The suspension will start 46 days after the day you were arrested.  You will be able to drive with a BAIID Device in your car for the last 5 months of the suspension.  Generally a BAIID device costs about $100 to install, and you can lease one for about $80/month.  The Secretary of State charges $30/month to monitor it.

Total cost for taking breathalyzer = $100 + $400 + 150 = $650

If you refuse to take the breathalyzer your license will be suspended for a year. 

The suspension will start 46 days after you were arrested.  You will be able to drive with a BAIID Device in your car for the last 11 months of the suspension.

Total cost of refusing to take the breathalyzer  = $100 + $880 + $330 = $1,310

So the cost of refusing compared to taking the breathalyzer is a $660 savings.

This post ignores that if you take the breathalyzer you will make your case very difficult to win compared to if you refuse, which would make it more likely for you to prevail at trial.