If you’ve been pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence in Maryland, the officer may ask you to perform field sobriety tests on the side of the road.
These tests can seem intimidating, and many people assume they must comply and that the results are unquestionable evidence. However, field sobriety tests are far from foolproof, and challenging them in court is often a viable defense strategy.
Understanding your rights and the limitations of these tests is crucial if you’re facing DUI charges.
Contact our DUI defense attorneys from Greenberg Law Offices now.
What Are Field Sobriety Tests?
Field sobriety tests are physical and cognitive exercises that law enforcement officers use to assess whether a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has standardized three tests commonly used nationwide.
They are as follows:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, where officers observe involuntary eye movements
- Walk-and-Turn test, which requires walking in a straight line heel-to-toe and turning around
- One-Leg Stand test, where you must balance on one foot while counting aloud
Officers may also administer non-standardized tests such as reciting the alphabet, counting backwards, or touching your finger to your nose.
These tests are supposed to help officers determine probable cause for arrest. Still, they’re subjective evaluations that leave substantial room for error and interpretation.
Are Field Sobriety Tests Accurate?
Despite their widespread use, field sobriety tests are not highly accurate indicators of intoxication.
Even under ideal conditions with properly trained officers, the NHTSA acknowledges that the HGN test is only about 77 percent accurate, the Walk-and-Turn test is approximately 68 percent accurate, and the One-Leg Stand test is roughly 65 percent accurate.
These percentages drop significantly when tests are not administered correctly or when other factors interfere with performance.
Many people fail field sobriety tests for reasons completely unrelated to alcohol consumption.
Medical conditions, physical disabilities, age, weight, footwear, nervousness, poor lighting, uneven road surfaces, and adverse weather conditions can all affect test performance. This inherent unreliability makes challenging field sobriety tests a critical component of DUI defense.
Common Issues with Field Sobriety Tests
Numerous problems can undermine the validity of field sobriety test results.
Procedural and Environmental Issues
Officers frequently fail to follow standardized procedures, administer tests on unsuitable surfaces, such as gravel or sloped roads, provide unclear or confusing instructions, or fail to account for the driver’s medical conditions or physical limitations.
Environmental factors such as darkness, rain, or traffic noise can also impact performance.
Officer Bias
Furthermore, officer bias plays a significant role. Once an officer suspects impairment, they may interpret neutral behaviors as signs of intoxication. Nervousness during a traffic stop is natural but can be misinterpreted as impairment.
Can Standardized Field Sobriety Tests Be Challenged in Maryland?
Yes, standardized field sobriety tests can absolutely be challenged in Maryland courts. A skilled DUI defense attorney can attack these tests on multiple grounds. Your attorney can do the following:
- Demonstrate that the officer failed to properly administer the tests according to NHTSA standards
- Present evidence of medical conditions or physical limitations that affected your performance
- Show that environmental conditions made the tests unreliable
- Challenge the officer’s training and qualifications
- Present expert testimony about the tests’ inherent limitations and inaccuracy rates
Challenging field sobriety tests often creates reasonable doubt about whether you were actually impaired, which can lead to reduced charges or complete dismissal of your case.
Contact a Baltimore DUI Defense Attorney Today
If you’ve been charged with DUI in Maryland, don’t assume that field sobriety test results are the final word.
At Greenberg Law Offices, our experienced Baltimore DUI defense attorneys know how to effectively challenge these tests and build strong defenses for our clients. We thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case, from the traffic stop to the administration of field sobriety tests, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Contact us today to discuss your DUI charges and explore your defense options.
