Failed A Field Sobriety Test In Kentucky? We Can Help.
Police pulled you over and made you walk a straight line, stand on one foot or follow a pen with your eyes. Now you’re wondering if those awkward moments on the roadside will ruin your future. At Hitch Defense Attorneys, we know these tests aren’t as reliable as law enforcement wants you to believe.
Based in Louisville, our attorneys bring over 25 years of combined experience to challenge field sobriety tests and protect clients throughout Kentucky. We fight to expose the flaws in these evaluations and protect your rights.
What Are Field Sobriety Tests?
Field sobriety tests are physical and mental tasks that police officers use to determine if a driver might be impaired by alcohol or drugs. Officers typically administer these tests during traffic stops when they suspect drunk driving. The tests aim to measure your balance, coordination and ability to follow instructions.
Law enforcement uses two main types of these evaluations. Standardized field sobriety tests follow specific procedures approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Nonstandardized tests vary by officer and department. Police often use DUI sobriety tests as evidence to support arrests and court cases.
Officers rely on three main evaluations during roadside stops:
- Horizontal gaze nystagmus test: Officers ask you to track a moving object with your eyes while they observe for jerky movements. Law enforcement believes this reveals impairment, but medical conditions, medications and fatigue can produce identical results.
- Walk-and-turn test: You must walk nine steps in a straight line, pivot and return while maintaining heel-to-toe contact. Police count it against you if you lose balance, step sideways or pause during the sequence.
- One-leg stand test: This evaluation requires balancing on just one foot for about 30 seconds while counting out loud. Officers mark you down for wobbling, dropping your foot or raising your arms to steady yourself.
All three tests rely heavily on the officer’s subjective observations and interpretation.
Problems And Inaccuracies With Field Sobriety Tests
Many factors can affect your performance on these tests that have nothing to do with alcohol consumption. These include:
- Environmental conditions: Rain, snow, strong winds, poor lighting or uneven road surfaces create challenges that can lead to failed tests.
- Medical issues: Inner ear problems, leg injuries, back pain, neurological conditions, age, weight and certain medications may affect your ability to complete these tasks successfully.
- Officer errors: Police procedures require specific training and careful attention to detail. Officers sometimes skip important instructions, fail to demonstrate tests properly or conduct evaluations in unsuitable locations.
- Subjective interpretation: These roadside tests depend on individual officer judgment, which can lead to unfair results and inconsistent enforcement.
These inherent flaws make field sobriety tests far less reliable than prosecutors want juries to believe.
How We Challenge Field Sobriety Tests In Court
We examine every aspect of your field sobriety test experience to build a strong defense. Our approach includes reviewing the arrest video, analyzing environmental conditions and investigating the officer’s training and certification.
We look for procedural errors in how officers conducted your tests. Many cases involve improper instructions, inadequate demonstrations or testing in dangerous locations. We also explore medical factors that might have affected your performance.
Our team understands how to present alternative explanations for test results. We work to show juries that poor performance on these tests doesn’t always indicate impairment.
We’re Here To Help You Through This Difficult Time
Your roadside performance doesn’t have to define what happens next. These tests have significant limitations, and we know how to challenge them effectively. Time matters in DUI cases, so contact us as soon as possible.
Call our Louisville office at 502-934-3463 or send us an email to book your consultation. We’re ready to fight for your rights and protect your future.