DUI/DWI

The role of field sobriety tests in a Maryland DUI case

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Maryland, and if you’re arrested on suspicion of DUI, the police will likely ask you to perform a field sobriety test. These tests are designed to determine if you’re impaired by alcohol or drugs while driving. In this blog post, we’ll explore the role of field sobriety tests in a Maryland DUI case and what you need to know if you’re facing DUI charges.The role of field sobriety tests in a Maryland DUI case Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Maryland, and if you're arrested on suspicion of DUI, the police will likely ask you to perform a field sobriety test. These tests are designed to determine if you're impaired by alcohol or drugs while driving. In this blog post, we'll explore the role of field sobriety tests in a Maryland DUI case and what you need to know if you're facing DUI charges. What are Field Sobriety Tests? Field sobriety tests are a set of standardized exercises that police officers use to evaluate a driver's level of impairment. These tests are designed to measure a person's physical and cognitive abilities, which can be affected by alcohol or drugs. There are three standardized field sobriety tests recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test - This test involves following a moving object, like a pen or finger, with your eyes while keeping your head still. The officer is looking for involuntary jerking of the eyes, which can indicate impairment. Walk-and-Turn Test - This test involves taking nine steps heel-to-toe along a straight line, turning on one foot, and returning in the opposite direction. The officer is looking for balance and coordination issues, such as stepping off the line or using arms for balance. One-Leg Stand Test - This test involves standing on one foot for 30 seconds while counting out loud. The officer is looking for balance and coordination issues, such as swaying or hopping. These tests are often used in combination with other factors, such as your driving behavior, odor of alcohol, and appearance, to determine if you're impaired. What Happens if You Fail a Field Sobriety Test? If you fail a field sobriety test, the officer may arrest you for DUI. However, failing a field sobriety test doesn't necessarily mean you're guilty of DUI. There are many factors that can affect your ability to perform these tests, such as medical conditions, fatigue, or nervousness. It's important to remember that you have the right to refuse to take a field sobriety test. However, if you do refuse, the officer may arrest you anyway based on other evidence of impairment, such as your driving behavior or odor of alcohol. How are Field Sobriety Tests Used in Court? Field sobriety tests are often used as evidence in DUI cases, but they're not always reliable. The accuracy of these tests depends on many factors, including the officer's training and the conditions under which the tests were performed. In Maryland, the results of field sobriety tests can be used as evidence in court, but they're not the only factor considered. The court will also consider other evidence, such as the results of a breath or blood test, and the officer's observations of your behavior. It's important to note that the results of field sobriety tests are not always admissible in court. Your defense attorney may be able to challenge the validity of the tests based on factors such as the officer's training or the conditions under which they were performed. It's important to remember that field sobriety tests are just one piece of evidence that can be used in a DUI case. Other factors, such as the officer's observations of your behavior, the results of a breath or blood test, and the circumstances of your arrest, can also be used as evidence. If you've been arrested for DUI in Maryland, it's important to act quickly to protect your rights. You have a limited amount of time to challenge the charges against you and to explore your options for defense. An experienced DUI defense attorney can help you navigate the legal process and work to protect your rights. They can challenge the validity of field sobriety tests and other evidence, negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges, and work to minimize the impact of a DUI conviction on your life. Field sobriety tests play a significant role in DUI cases in Maryland. While they're not always accurate, they can be used as evidence in court. If you're facing DUI charges, it's important to consult with an experienced DUI defense attorney to explore your options for defense and to protect your rights. Alpert Schreyer, LLC is a law firm that specializes in DUI defense in Maryland. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling cases involving field sobriety tests and other evidence related to DUI charges. If you've been arrested for DUI in Maryland, our attorneys can help you understand the role of field sobriety tests in your case and explore your options for defense. We can work to challenge the validity of field sobriety tests and other evidence, negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges, and represent you in court. Our attorneys understand the complexities of Maryland DUI law and can help you navigate the legal process with confidence. We offer personalized attention and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients. Contact Alpert Schreyer, LLC today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced DUI defense attorneys. We can help you understand your options and work to protect your rights.

What are Field Sobriety Tests?

Field sobriety tests are a set of standardized exercises that police officers use to evaluate a driver’s level of impairment. These tests are designed to measure a person’s physical and cognitive abilities, which can be affected by alcohol or drugs.

There are three standardized field sobriety tests recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test – This test involves following a moving object, like a pen or finger, with your eyes while keeping your head still. The officer is looking for involuntary jerking of the eyes, which can indicate impairment.

Walk-and-Turn Test – This test involves taking nine steps heel-to-toe along a straight line, turning on one foot, and returning in the opposite direction. The officer is looking for balance and coordination issues, such as stepping off the line or using arms for balance.

One-Leg Stand Test – This test involves standing on one foot for 30 seconds while counting out loud. The officer is looking for balance and coordination issues, such as swaying or hopping.

These tests are often used in combination with other factors, such as your driving behavior, odor of alcohol, and appearance, to determine if you’re impaired.

What Happens if You Fail a Field Sobriety Test?

If you fail a field sobriety test, the officer may arrest you for DUI. However, failing a field sobriety test doesn’t necessarily mean you’re guilty of DUI. There are many factors that can affect your ability to perform these tests, such as medical conditions, fatigue, or nervousness.

It’s important to remember that you have the right to refuse to take a field sobriety test. However, if you do refuse, the officer may arrest you anyway based on other evidence of impairment, such as your driving behavior or odor of alcohol.

How are Field Sobriety Tests Used in Court?

Field sobriety tests are often used as evidence in DUI cases, but they’re not always reliable. The accuracy of these tests depends on many factors, including the officer’s training and the conditions under which the tests were performed.

In Maryland, the results of field sobriety tests can be used as evidence in court, but they’re not the only factor considered. The court will also consider other evidence, such as the results of a breath or blood test, and the officer’s observations of your behavior.

It’s important to note that the results of field sobriety tests are not always admissible in court. Your defense attorney may be able to challenge the validity of the tests based on factors such as the officer’s training or the conditions under which they were performed.

It’s important to remember that field sobriety tests are just one piece of evidence that can be used in a DUI case. Other factors, such as the officer’s observations of your behavior, the results of a breath or blood test, and the circumstances of your arrest, can also be used as evidence.

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Maryland, it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights. You have a limited amount of time to challenge the charges against you and explore your options for defense.

An experienced DUI defense attorney can help you navigate the legal process and work to protect your rights. They can challenge the validity of field sobriety tests and other evidence, negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges and work to minimize the impact of a DUI conviction on your life.

Field sobriety tests play a significant role in DUI cases in Maryland. While they’re not always accurate, they can be used as evidence in court. If you’re facing DUI charges, it’s important to consult with an experienced DUI defense attorney to explore your options for defense and to protect your rights.

Alpert Schreyer, LLC is a law firm that specializes in DUI defense in Maryland. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling cases involving field sobriety tests and other evidence related to DUI charges.

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Maryland, our attorneys can help you understand the role of field sobriety tests in your case and explore your options for defense. We can work to challenge the validity of field sobriety tests and other evidence, negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges and represent you in court.

Our attorneys understand the complexities of Maryland DUI law and can help you navigate the legal process with confidence. We offer personalized attention and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.

Contact Alpert Schreyer, LLC today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced DUI defense attorneys. We can help you understand your options and work to protect your rights.