Opinion ID: 2201755
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Breathalyzer Test

Text: As we have seen, the consent clause of TR § 16-205.1 is subject to the provisions of Maryland Code (1977, 1989 Repl.Vol.) §§ 10-302 through 10-309 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article (CJ). Those sections contain comprehensive and carefully structured provisions which apply to the Breathalyzer test. Section 10-302 prescribes: In a prosecution for a violation of a law concerning a person who is driving ... a vehicle in violation of § 21-902 of the Transportation Article .. ., a chemical test of his breath or blood may be administered to the person for the purpose of determining the alcohol content of his blood. Succeeding sections deal with the time within which the test must be taken; the qualifications of the person administering the test and the equipment to be used; the type of test administered; the admissibility of test results without the presence or testimony of the technician; the results of analysis and presumptions; limitations on other evidence of intoxication and driving under the influence; and refusal to submit to the test. Ordinarily, a person may not be compelled to submit to a chemical analysis, and, in any event, [e]vidence of chemical analysis is not admissible in a prosecution for a violation of § 21-902 of the Transportation Article if obtained contrary to its provisions. CJ § 10-309(a). The fact of refusal is admissible in evidence at the trial. Id. But: No inference or presumption concerning either guilt or innocence arises because of refusal to submit. Id.