Many officers of the law employ field sobriety tests to help determine if an individual is intoxicated on the road. Driving under the influence of alcohol in Tennessee is illegal and punishable by steep fines, license suspension, and even jail time in some cases. However, without chemical testing, it can be difficult to determine whether or not the individual in question is actually under the influence. This is where field sobriety tests come in, providing a method for police officers and other officials to test for intoxication when chemical testing is unavailable.
Field sobriety tests, however, are not always reliable. If the tests are administered incorrectly or the officer misinterprets the results, a field sobriety test could become ineffectual. In these situations, unreliable field sobriety tests could lead to legal consequences for an innocent individual or could complicate the trial process. Ensuring that these tests have been carried out correctly can help protect the defendant’s legal rights and potentially avoid a DUI offense.
A skilled DUI lawyer from King Law Offices can help by evaluating a DUI case and informing you of your legal rights. Call now at (888) 748-KING to schedule a personalized consultation with an attorney.
What Are Field Sobriety Tests?
Field sobriety tests are generally simple physical tasks that are difficult to do while under the influence of alcohol. These tests will generally be simple for a sober individual to do, and as such, may reveal if the individual is intoxicated without a chemical test. An officer can administer these tests anywhere, and they are generally fast and efficient. They may also be less invasive than some chemical tests, though they are not as accurate. A chemical test may be more accurate than a sobriety test, and may increase the impaired driver’s chances of a DUI conviction.
The most common field sobriety tests are the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, the walk-and-turn test, and the one-leg stand test. The horizontal gaze nystagmus test requires the driver to focus on an object like a pen or a flashlight and follow it as the officer moves the object back and forth. Involuntary twitching of the eyes may indicate intoxication. The walk-and-turn test involves taking steps heel to toe along a straight line, then turning and coming back the same way. Imbalance and inability to follow instructions may indicate drunkenness. Lastly, the one-leg stand test requires the driver to stand on one leg and balance for a period of time. Swaying, hopping, or difficulty balancing may indicate intoxication.
Field Sobriety Test Reliability
However, other factors unrelated to intoxication can cause drivers to fail field sobriety tests. Medical conditions, balance issues, anxiety disorders, obesity, or other factors affecting coordination could all cause a sober driver to fail a field sobriety test. Additionally, incorrect administration of the test could invalidate the results. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides clear guidelines on how officers of the law are to carry out these field sobriety tests. Failure to follow these guidelines may render the results of the test unreliable and inadmissible in court. Any of these factors could influence a field sobriety test and invalidate the results, which means a DUI charge based on a field sobriety test may not be accurate.
For information about representation for a DUI case, speak with an experienced DUI attorney from King Law Offices for more details.
Disputing a Sobriety Test
If a driver has been charged with a DUI on the grounds of a field sobriety test, this may imply several weaknesses in the case. Due to the inaccuracy of some field sobriety tests, a DUI built on the evidence of a sobriety test without chemical test evidence may not hold up in court. If an attorney can prove that another medical factor caused the defendant’s failure of the test, that the officer carried out the test incorrectly, or that their client was not intoxicated at the time, the accusations may not lead to a DUI charge.
There are many strategies to dispute a field sobriety test in court. One of these methods involves medical records and research into the defendant’s physical history. With medical records that prove a preexisting condition that caused the defendant to fail the field sobriety test, the charges may be waived. Alternatively, a DUI attorney could use witness testimony to show that the officer conducted the test incorrectly, invalidating the results. This may help the individual avoid hefty fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Listed below are several frequently asked questions regarding field sobriety tests in Tennessee.
Do I Have to Take Field Sobriety Tests?
No, field sobriety tests are not mandatory in Tennessee. This means that any individual on the road can refuse a field sobriety test if requested by an officer. However, this may have several unintended legal consequences. Refusing a sobriety test may seem suspicious to a police officer, which may lead them to employ mandatory chemical testing and use other evidence as grounds for probable cause to make a DUI arrest.
Are Field Sobriety Tests Accurate?
Field sobriety tests are not always accurate. While they may provide a helpful baseline that can affirm the other signs of intoxication, their inaccuracy could also complicate a DUI case. Other medical and physical factors could invalidate a field sobriety test in Tennessee. Additionally, failure to carry out a sobriety test according to the NHTSA guidelines could render the results inaccurate.
Are Chemical Tests for Alcohol Mandatory?
Yes, chemical tests are mandatory for all drivers under implied consent laws. By driving a vehicle on the road, the driver agrees to help promote safety on the road and to drive sober. This agreement implies consent to alcohol testing in the event of reckless driving or a DUI. While drivers in Tennessee can refuse field sobriety tests, they cannot refuse a chemical test if it is requested by an officer of the law.
Speak to a Tennessee DUI Attorney Today
DUI charges can be challenging, and a DUI sentence could damage an individual’s livelihood, financial situation, and public reputation. If these charges are founded on a field sobriety test, there is a chance that they are inaccurate. Medical history, failure to comply with NHTSA guidelines, and other aggravating factors could all lead to a faulty charge. Understanding how these tests can influence a DUI case could clarify how to proceed in court. A skilled Tennessee DUI attorney may be able to evaluate a DUI case and provide legal clarity and direction in an initial consultation. Call the office today at (888) 748-KING to schedule your consultation.