Attacking Field Sobriety Tests in DUI Cases

If you have been charged with drunk driving, you were probably subject to field sobriety tests at the time of the traffic stop. The most widely used field sobriety tests are:

• Horizontal gaze nystagmus test: This is the test that involves following a pen or a similar object with the eyes.
• Walk-and-turn test: This is the test that involves walking in a straight line, heel-to-toe, for a certain number of steps.
• One-leg-stand test: This is the test that involves standing on one leg.

These tests typically precede breath tests or blood and urine tests.

Are Field Sobriety Tests Valid?

Field sobriety tests are among the most controversial aspects of DUI cases. They do not take senior citizens into account. They do not take people who are heavier than average into account. They do not take people with medical conditions into account. However, they are still used by police officers on a daily basis to determine whether or not a driver is intoxicated.

At Cherry Criminal Law, our attorneys will review the case to determine whether the field sobriety tests were conducted properly. Did the police officer who made the DUI arrest receive the proper training to administer these tests? If the tests were conducted properly, were there other physical conditions present that could account for the failure of the tests. For example, were the tests conducted on a flat surface or on potholed blacktop?

If we determine that the test results are flawed, we will use that information as part of our overall DUI defense strategy. With decades of experience serving people in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania, we know how to build strong and successful DUI cases.

Free Consultation — Media DUI Arrest Lawyers

To discuss your case with one of our experienced Philadelphia field sobriety test lawyers, call us at 610-565-0300 or 215-675-2400 or send us an e-mail.