In People v. Gursey, 22 NY2d 224, 229, 239 N.E.2d 351, 292 N.Y.S.2d 416 (1968), Judge Breitel noted that the Court's unanimous decision recognizing a defendant's right to consult with an attorney prior to deciding whether to agree to take what was then called a "drunkometer" test was made "in light of the current recognition of the importance of counsel in criminal proceedings affecting significant legal rights." As a result, the Court clearly held that a police officer may not "prevent access between a criminal accused and his lawyer, available in person or by immediate telephone communication, if such action does not interfere unduly with the matter at hand." Id.