The Inaccuracy of Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests are often used on drivers who are pulled over on suspicion of DUI. These tests were developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to standardize the method that law enforcement will use when trying to determine if a driver is too impaired by drugs or alcohol to drive. The tests are supposed to give the law enforcement officer an objective way to decide on this critical issue. Unfortunately, the tests themselves are far from perfect in providing accurate information. Furthermore, many police officers fail to administer them correctly, are improperly trained in administering them, or depend more on their own opinions than anything else in making a DUI arrest.

One of the field sobriety tests is called the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, which involves watching the person's pupil as his eyes follow a moving object. In DWI Journal: Law and Science Journal, a well-known field sobriety test instructor published a report showing the critical differences between law enforcement training and actual administration of such tests in the field. In reviewing 360 random video-recorded tests given by law enforcement, the instructor found that only 24 were executed according to the NHTSA manual. This represented only 7 percent of the total HGN tests done, which means 93 percent of those tests performed by law enforcement in the field were done incorrectly, which could lead to inappropriate legal problems for the drivers involved.

Why You Need a Scottsdale DUI Attorney

The above article underscores why you need an experienced attorney handling your case when arrested for DUI. Where field sobriety tests have led to an arrest, they may be challenged. Other aspects of the arrest and charge may be challenged as well, based on scientific, technical, and legal factors. An attorney who is experienced in this complicated area of the law can investigate all of the facts and circumstances of a DUI, which may uncover valuable evidence which can be used on your behalf.

A DUI can lead to many negative consequences and a severe disruption of your life. If you are facing a DUI charge of any kind in or around Scottsdale, contact the Knowles Law Firm, PLC to arrange to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Founding attorney Anthony Knowles has more than 15 years of legal experience handling DUI cases. He and his legal team have the knowhow, track record, and commitment to every individual they represent that is needed to achieve a favorable result.