For many motorists who face DUI charges, field sobriety testing plays a role in the process. While sobriety testing has a legal precedent, issues with accuracy can easily occur.
That is why people facing DUI charges must understand potential problems with field sobriety tests and know the common defenses for these issues.
Medical conditions and physical limitations
Various health issues, such as balance disorders or certain neurological conditions, can impact a person’s ability to complete field sobriety tests accurately. A skilled defense strategy involves presenting evidence of such conditions to question the reliability of the test results.
Environmental factors and test accuracy
Environmental conditions can play a role in the accuracy of field sobriety tests. Uneven surfaces, poor lighting or adverse weather conditions may contribute to a person’s inability to perform these tests satisfactorily. By highlighting such factors, it is possible to argue that the circumstances were not conducive to a fair and accurate evaluation of sobriety.
Improper administration
Law enforcement officers must adhere to strict protocols when administering field sobriety tests. If there are deviations from these procedures, it can raise doubts about validity. For instance, failure to provide clear and precise instructions can be grounds for challenging the results.
Lack of test standardization
Field sobriety tests are not foolproof, and their results can be subjective. Consider that factors such as an individual’s age, weight or physical condition can affect test performance. A solid defense strategy involves questioning the standardized nature of these tests, arguing that they may not accurately measure impairment for every individual.
Facing positive field sobriety test results does not necessarily mean a lack of legal options. Depending on the situations surrounding a DUI arrest, people often have many suitable defenses at their disposal.
