refusal warning (New York) · Go Syfert
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refusal warning in New York

49 New York opinions name it 10 courts 1871–2025 5 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by New York courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (20)

CaseFollowedCited
People v. Niedzwieckigreen
nycrimct · 1985 · cited in 3 New York opinions naming this issue, 2003–2025
2 sentences

2025Courts have held that "a determination of whether the refusal warnings were in clear and unequivocal language must be based on an objective standard independent of whether the defendant actually understood them" ( compare , People v Burnet , 882 NYS2d 835, 842 [Sup Court, Bronx County 2009] [internal citations and quotations omitted], with People v Niedzwiecki , 487 NYS2d 694, 696 [Crim Ct, Queens County 1985]["(H)e must reach a threshold point of understanding the choice presented to him, so he may at least be able to make a decision as to the course of conduct he will take"] [emphasis added]

2025Courts have held that "a determination of whether the refusal warnings were in clear and unequivocal language must be based on an objective standard independent of whether the defendant actually understood them" ( compare , People v Burnet , 882 NYS2d 835, 842 [Sup Court, Bronx County 2009] [internal citations and quotations omitted], with People v Niedzwiecki , 487 NYS2d 694, 696 [Crim Ct, Queens County 1985]["(H)e must reach a threshold point of understanding the choice presented to him, so he may at least be able to make a decision as to the course of conduct he will take"] [emphasis added]

23
People v. Burnetgreen
nysupct · 2009 · cited in 2 New York opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
2 sentences

2025Courts have held that "a determination of whether the refusal warnings were in clear and unequivocal language must be based on an objective standard independent of whether the defendant actually understood them" ( compare , People v Burnet , 882 NYS2d 835, 842 [Sup Court, Bronx County 2009] [internal citations and quotations omitted], with People v Niedzwiecki , 487 NYS2d 694, 696 [Crim Ct, Queens County 1985]["(H)e must reach a threshold point of understanding the choice presented to him, so he may at least be able to make a decision as to the course of conduct he will take"] [emphasis added]

2025Courts have held that "a determination of whether the refusal warnings were in clear and unequivocal language must be based on an objective standard independent of whether the defendant actually understood them" ( compare , People v Burnet , 882 NYS2d 835, 842 [Sup Court, Bronx County 2009] [internal citations and quotations omitted], with People v Niedzwiecki , 487 NYS2d 694, 696 [Crim Ct, Queens County 1985]["(H)e must reach a threshold point of understanding the choice presented to him, so he may at least be able to make a decision as to the course of conduct he will take"] [emphasis added]

22
Ryan v. Goordgreen
nyappdiv · 2004 · cited in 2 New York opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006
2 sentences

2006Furthermore, while petitioner asserts that he was improperly denied the right to call an inmate witness because the hearing officer did not make an adequate inquiry concerning the inmate’s refusal to testify, petitioner did not raise an objection to the legitimacy of the refusal at the hearing and, therefore, may not challenge it now (see Matter of Ryan v Goord, 12 AD3d 799, 800 [2004]).

2006Furthermore, petitioner’s claim that he was improperly denied the right to call an inmate witness is not preserved inasmuch as petitioner did not object to the genuineness of the inmate’s refusal at the hearing (see Matter of Otero v Goord, 17 AD3d 805, 806 [2005]; Matter of Ryan v Goord, 12 AD3d 799, 800 [2004]) or raise this claim in his administrative appeal (see Matter of Green v Williams, 252 AD2d 974, 975 [1998]).

22
People v. Thomasgreen
ny · 1978 · cited in 3 New York opinions naming this issue, 1983–2025
2 sentences

2025People v MacDonal d, 89 NY2d 908, 910 (1996); People v Thomas , 46 NY2d 100, 106 (1978); People v Sirico , 135 AD3d 19, 23 (2d Dept 2016); People v Chamberlain , 72 Misc 3d 126(A) (App Term, 2d, 9th &10 Jud Dists 2022).

1983If one persists in a refusal the test is not to be given (Vehicle and Traffic Law, § 1194, subd 2); the choice is the driver’s (People v Thomas, 46 NY2d 100, 108 ).

13
People v. Bratchergreen
nyappdiv · 1990 · cited in 2 New York opinions naming this issue, 2009–2017
2 sentences

2017Assuming, without deciding, that submitting to two breath tests which, in each case, resulted in a readout of "insufficient sample," and yet found a BAC of .12 and .13 (which levels would exceed the level set forth in Vehicle and Traffic § 1192 [2]), constitutes a "failure" of such tests, thereby warranting a finding of two refusals to submit to a chemical test pursuant to Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1194 (2) (f) (formerly Vehicle Traffic Law § 1194 [4]) ( see generally People v Adler , 145 AD2d 943, 944 [1988]; Matter of Van Sickle v Melton , 64 AD2d 846 [1978] [when a breathalyzer test fails f

2009With respect to the persistence of a defendant’s refusal, there is no requirement that such persistence be repetitive nor is there a minimum number of times that he must refuse (see People v Bratcher, 165 AD2d 906 [3d Dept 1990]; Matter of Nicol v Grant, 117 AD2d 940 [3d Dept 1986]).

12
People v. Siricogreen
nyappdiv · 2015 · cited in 1 New York opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
2 sentences

2025People v MacDonal d, 89 NY2d 908, 910 (1996); People v Thomas , 46 NY2d 100, 106 (1978); People v Sirico , 135 AD3d 19, 23 (2d Dept 2016); People v Chamberlain , 72 Misc 3d 126(A) (App Term, 2d, 9th &10 Jud Dists 2022).

2025People v MacDonal d, 89 NY2d 908, 910 (1996); People v Thomas , 46 NY2d 100, 106 (1978); People v Sirico , 135 AD3d 19, 23 (2d Dept 2016); People v Chamberlain , 72 Misc 3d 126(A) (App Term, 2d, 9th &10 Jud Dists 2022).

11
People v. MacDonaldgreen
ny · 1996 · cited in 1 New York opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
2 sentences

2025People v MacDonal d, 89 NY2d 908, 910 (1996); People v Thomas , 46 NY2d 100, 106 (1978); People v Sirico , 135 AD3d 19, 23 (2d Dept 2016); People v Chamberlain , 72 Misc 3d 126(A) (App Term, 2d, 9th &10 Jud Dists 2022).

2025People v MacDonal d, 89 NY2d 908, 910 (1996); People v Thomas , 46 NY2d 100, 106 (1978); People v Sirico , 135 AD3d 19, 23 (2d Dept 2016); People v Chamberlain , 72 Misc 3d 126(A) (App Term, 2d, 9th &10 Jud Dists 2022).

11
People v. Smithgreen
ny · 2012 · cited in 1 New York opinions naming this issue, 2021–2021
1 sentence

2021Defendant's statement to the police that he wanted to make a phone call to a friend or sibling to get in touch with an attorney was insufficient to invoke his right to counsel ( see People v Hartley , 65 NY2d 703 , 705 [1985]; People v Rowell , 59 NY2d 727, 730 [1983]), as it did not unequivocally inform the officers of his intention to retain counsel, or that he wanted the opportunity to consult with an attorney before speaking further to the police or undertaking the breath test ( cf. People v Smith , 18 NY3d 544, 547 [2012]; People v Gursey , 22 NY2d 224 [1968]).

11
People v. Rowellgreen
ny · 1983 · cited in 1 New York opinions naming this issue, 2021–2021
1 sentence

2021Defendant's statement to the police that he wanted to make a phone call to a friend or sibling to get in touch with an attorney was insufficient to invoke his right to counsel ( see People v Hartley , 65 NY2d 703 , 705 [1985]; People v Rowell , 59 NY2d 727, 730 [1983]), as it did not unequivocally inform the officers of his intention to retain counsel, or that he wanted the opportunity to consult with an attorney before speaking further to the police or undertaking the breath test ( cf. People v Smith , 18 NY3d 544, 547 [2012]; People v Gursey , 22 NY2d 224 [1968]).

11
The People v. Jin Cheng Lingreen
ny · 2016 · cited in 1 New York opinions naming this issue, 2020–2020
1 sentence

2020In sum, "there is record support for the lower court['s] determinations that defendant understood the import of his Miranda rights" and the refusal warnings ( id. at 726).

11
People v. Adlergreen
nyappdiv · 1988 · cited in 1 New York opinions naming this issue, 2017–2017
1 sentence

2017Assuming, without deciding, that submitting to two breath tests which, in each case, resulted in a readout of "insufficient sample," and yet found a BAC of .12 and .13 (which levels would exceed the level set forth in Vehicle and Traffic § 1192 [2]), constitutes a "failure" of such tests, thereby warranting a finding of two refusals to submit to a chemical test pursuant to Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1194 (2) (f) (formerly Vehicle Traffic Law § 1194 [4]) ( see generally People v Adler , 145 AD2d 943, 944 [1988]; Matter of Van Sickle v Melton , 64 AD2d 846 [1978] [when a breathalyzer test fails f

11
Tafari v. Selskygreen
nyappdiv · 2007 · cited in 1 New York opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
1 sentence

2016Petitioner’s contention that the Hearing Officer failed to conduct a proper inquiry into an inmate’s refusal to testify is not preserved for our review given that he acceded to the inmate’s refusal at the hearing and did not object to the Hearing Officer’s failure to undertake a further inquiry (see generally Matter of Tafari v Selsky, 36 AD3d 982, 983 [2007], lv *1055 denied 8 NY3d 809 [2007]).

11
Solomon v. City of New Yorkgreen
ny · 1985 · cited in 1 New York opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
2 sentences

2016In order to prevail on a negligence claim, “a plaintiff must demonstrate (1) a duty owed by the defendant to the plaintiff, (2) a breach thereof, and (3) injury proximately resulting therefrom” (Solomon v City of New York, 66 NY2d 1026, 1027 [1985]).

2016In order to prevail on a negligence claim, "a plaintiff must demonstrate (1) a duty owed by the defendant to the plaintiff, (2) a breach thereof, and (3) injury proximately resulting therefrom"(Solomon v New York, 66 NY2d 1026, 1027 [1985]).

11
People v. Cookgreen
ny · 1995 · cited in 1 New York opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
11
People v. Maxwellgreen
nyappdiv · 2011 · cited in 1 New York opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
11
People v. Addisongreen
nyappdiv · 2013 · cited in 1 New York opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
11
People v. Frostgreen
ny · 2003 · cited in 1 New York opinions naming this issue, 2009–2009
11
Otero v. Goordgreen
nyappdiv · 2005 · cited in 1 New York opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006
11
Green v. Williamsgreen
nyappdiv · 1998 · cited in 1 New York opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006
11
Pennsylvania v. Munizgreen
scotus · 1990 · cited in 1 New York opinions naming this issue, 1999–1999
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in New York. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (60)

CaseCitedYears
Birchfield v. N. Dakota. William Robert Bernard green
scotus · 2016
2 sentences

2018The effect of the majority's rule is to accelerate an already growing and alarming rate of refusals as they are without consequence, thus frustrating drunk driving prosecutions and fundamentally undermining the very purpose of the statute ( see Namuswe et al., Breath Test Refusal Rates in the United States at 3 [DOT-HS-811-881 2014]; Birchfield , --- U.S. ----, 136 S.Ct. at 2169-2170 ).

2018The effect of the majority's rule is to accelerate an already growing and alarming rate of refusals as they are without consequence, thus frustrating drunk driving prosecutions and fundamentally undermining the very purpose of the statute ( see U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Traffic Safety Facts, Namuswe et al., Breath Test Refusal Rates in the United States—2011 Update at 3 [DOT-HS-811-881, Mar. 2014]; Birchfield , 579 US at &mdash, 136 S Ct at 2169-2170 ).

22018–2018
Molinsky v. New York State Department of Motor Vehicles green
nyappdiv · 2013
2 sentences

2014The petitioner’s remaining contention is not properly before this Court, as it was not raised at the administrative hearing (see Matter of Klapak v Blum, 65 NY2d 670 , 672 [1985]; Matter of Molinsky v New York State Dept. of Motor Vehs., 105 AD3d 960 , 960-961 [2013]).

2014The petitioner’s remaining contention is not properly before this Court, as it was not raised at the administrative hearing (see Matter of Klapak v Blum, 65 NY2d 670 , 672 [1985]; Matter of Molinsky v New York State Dept. of Motor Vehs., 105 AD3d 960 , 960-961 [2013]).

22014–2014
Matter of Geary v. Comm'r of Motor Vehicles of the State of New York green
ny · 1983
2 sentences

1988It is well established that mere delay in scheduling a refusal hearing will not oust respondents of jurisdiction (Matter of Geary v Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, 92 AD2d 38 , affd 59 NY2d 950 ).

1986In order to successfully argue that a delay in scheduling a refusal hearing pursuant to Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1194 constituted a violation of the State Administrative Procedure Act § 301, the petitioner must show that he was substantially prejudiced by such delay (Matter of Geary v Commissioner of Motor Vehicles of State of N Y, 59 NY2d 950 ).

21986–1988
In re Attorneys in Violation of Judiciary Law § 468-a green
nyappdiv · 2012
1 sentence

2024In our view, the documentary evidence admitted in evidence at the refusal hearing establishes that the arresting officer had reasonable grounds to believe that petitioner was at least impaired by alcohol at the time of his arrest ( see id. ).

12024–2024
People v. Gursey green
ny · 1968
1 sentence

2021Defendant's statement to the police that he wanted to make a phone call to a friend or sibling to get in touch with an attorney was insufficient to invoke his right to counsel ( see People v Hartley , 65 NY2d 703 , 705 [1985]; People v Rowell , 59 NY2d 727, 730 [1983]), as it did not unequivocally inform the officers of his intention to retain counsel, or that he wanted the opportunity to consult with an attorney before speaking further to the police or undertaking the breath test ( cf. People v Smith , 18 NY3d 544, 547 [2012]; People v Gursey , 22 NY2d 224 [1968]).

12021–2021
People v. Sellers (Scott) neutral
nyappterm · 2021
1 sentence

2021The second officer{**73 Misc 3d at 8} testified that he also had defendant perform several field sobriety tests and that defendant exhibited six clues of intoxication.

12021–2021
Miranda v. Arizona green
scotus · 1966
1 sentence

2020She then read defendant his Miranda ( Miranda v Arizona , 384 US 436 [1966]) rights and the refusal warnings, both in English.

12020–2020
People v. Lu Yang Tong green
nyappdiv · 1997
1 sentence

2020Defendant's claim that his plea was not knowing, voluntary, or intelligent is unpreserved for appellate review, as defendant did not move to vacate his plea or otherwise raise the concerns he now raises on appeal at his plea colloquy, at his sentencing over a month later, or at any time in between ( see People v Monroe , 174 AD3d 649 , 650 [2019]; People v Plaza , 178 AD3d 958 [2019]; People v Tong , 238 AD2d 607 [1997]), and we decline to review his claim in the interest of justice.

12020–2020
People v. Jackson green
nyappdiv · 2012
1 sentence

2018The defendant failed to proffer new facts which were not discoverable with reasonable diligence before the determination of the motion that would have changed the refusal hearing court's determination ( see CPL 710.40[4]; cf. People v Clark , 88 NY2d 552, 555 ; People v Fuentes , 53 NY2d 892, 894 ; People v Ekwegbalu , 131 AD3d 982, 984 ; People v Jackson , 97 AD3d 693, 694 ).

12018–2018
People v. Ekwegbalu green
nyappdiv · 2015
1 sentence

2018The defendant failed to proffer new facts which were not discoverable with reasonable diligence before the determination of the motion that would have changed the refusal hearing court's determination ( see CPL 710.40[4]; cf. People v Clark , 88 NY2d 552, 555 ; People v Fuentes , 53 NY2d 892, 894 ; People v Ekwegbalu , 131 AD3d 982, 984 ; People v Jackson , 97 AD3d 693, 694 ).

12018–2018
People v. Fuentes green
ny · 1981
1 sentence

2018The defendant failed to proffer new facts which were not discoverable with reasonable diligence before the determination of the motion that would have changed the refusal hearing court's determination ( see CPL 710.40[4]; cf. People v Clark , 88 NY2d 552, 555 ; People v Fuentes , 53 NY2d 892, 894 ; People v Ekwegbalu , 131 AD3d 982, 984 ; People v Jackson , 97 AD3d 693, 694 ).

12018–2018
People v. Clark green
ny · 1996
1 sentence

2018The defendant failed to proffer new facts which were not discoverable with reasonable diligence before the determination of the motion that would have changed the refusal hearing court's determination ( see CPL 710.40[4]; cf. People v Clark , 88 NY2d 552, 555 ; People v Fuentes , 53 NY2d 892, 894 ; People v Ekwegbalu , 131 AD3d 982, 984 ; People v Jackson , 97 AD3d 693, 694 ).

12018–2018
Wagner v. Fiala green
nyappdiv · 2014
1 sentence

2018Contrary to the petitioner's contention, the record does not demonstrate that the arresting officer, who testified at the hearing, gave the petitioner an incorrect explanation of the refusal warnings ( see Matter of Wagner v Fiala, 113 AD3d at 695 ).

12018–2018
Matter of Hickey v. New York State Dept. of Motor Vehs. green
nyappdiv · 2016
1 sentence

2018The findings of the administrative law judge are supported by substantial evidence in the record, and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Administrative Appeals Board properly drew an adverse inference from the petitioner's failure to testify at the hearing ( see Matter of Hickey v New York State Dept. of Motor Vehs., 142 AD3d at 669 ).

12018–2018
People v. Odum green
nycterr · 2018
2 sentences

2018However, based on the undisputed evidence in the hearing record,{** 31 NY3d at 356 } the refusal warnings were not a misapplication of law at all.

2018However, based on the undisputed evidence in the hearing record,{** 31 NY3d at 356 } the refusal warnings were not a misapplication of law at all.

12018–2018
People v. Contes green
ny · 1983
1 sentence

2018Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution ( see People v Contes , 60 NY2d 620 ), we find that it was legally sufficient to establish the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

12018–2018
Taylor v. County of Monroe green
nyappdiv · 1978
1 sentence

2017Assuming, without deciding, that submitting to two breath tests which, in each case, resulted in a readout of "insufficient sample," and yet found a BAC of .12 and .13 (which levels would exceed the level set forth in Vehicle and Traffic § 1192 [2]), constitutes a "failure" of such tests, thereby warranting a finding of two refusals to submit to a chemical test pursuant to Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1194 (2) (f) (formerly Vehicle Traffic Law § 1194 [4]) ( see generally People v Adler , 145 AD2d 943, 944 [1988]; Matter of Van Sickle v Melton , 64 AD2d 846 [1978] [when a breathalyzer test fails f

12017–2017
People v. Moses green
nyappdiv · 2006
12011–2011
People v. Malinsky green
ny · 1965
12011–2011
People v. Baldwin green
ny · 1969
12011–2011
People v. Wise green
ny · 1978
12011–2011
People v. Dodt green
ny · 1984
12011–2011
In re Antonio G. green
nyappdiv · 1978
12009–2009
People v. Camagos green
nycrimct · 1993
12009–2009
Nicol v. Grant green
nyappdiv · 1986
12009–2009
Samuels v. LeFevre green
nyappdiv · 1987
12009–2009
Gagliardi v. Department of Motor Vehicles green
nyappdiv · 1988
12009–2009
People v. Lynch green
nycrimct · 2003
12005–2005
Stanley v. Burnside green
nysupct · 1959
11996–1996
Wachtel v. Soman neutral
nyappdiv · 1960
11996–1996
People v. Worley green
ny · 1985
11995–1995
Chonka v. Your Host, Inc. green
nyappdiv · 1981
11994–1994
Pell v. Board of Education green
ny · 1974
11993–1993
People v. Stanton green
nyappdiv · 1985
11989–1989
People v. Marrero green
nyappdiv · 1985
11989–1989
People v. Kopelakis neutral
nyappdiv · 1987
11989–1989
People v. Francis neutral
nyappdiv · 1988
11989–1989
People v. DeChamps neutral
nyappdiv · 1988
11989–1989
People v. Thompson neutral
nyappdiv · 1989
11989–1989
Geary v. Commissioner of Motor Vehicles green
nyappdiv · 1983
11988–1988

Where else courts name it

TX 342 (1874–2026) CA 118 (1867–2024) IL 104 (1885–2026) MO 64 (1886–2014) IN 55 (1875–2014) WI 52 (1932–2025) MA 51 (1870–2025) NY 49 (1871–2025) MS 48 (1889–2024) PA 34 (1849–2026) VA 25 (1912–2026) AL 24 (1895–2007) WV 24 (1896–2021) OH 23 (1889–2024) NM 22 (1910–2023) GA 19 (1882–2024) CO 15 (1922–2026) FL 14 (1913–2014) NE 13 (1893–2024) IA 12 (1897–2021) KS 12 (1892–1996) AR 11 (1914–2020) ID 11 (1921–2020) AZ 10 (1966–2021) OK 10 (1911–2008) MD 9 (1963–2010) NV 9 (1887–2013) MN 9 (1902–2015) NJ 8 (1964–2020) WY 8 (1952–2020) WA 8 (1917–2000) ME 8 (1926–2019) KY 7 (1916–2024) NC 7 (1947–2019) OR 7 (1885–2015) ND 6 (1960–2007) UT 6 (1968–2026) SD 5 (1925–2014) VT 5 (1884–1990) LA 4 (1969–2006) MT 4 (1935–2016) NH 4 (1974–1997) HI 4 (1945–1999) DC 4 (1989–2025) CT 4 (1975–2018) MI 3 (1927–1978) TN 3 (1935–2013) SC 3 (1988–2024) RI 3 (1970–1987) AK 2 (1978–1981)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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