The Role Of Field Sobriety Tests In Baltimore
If you’ve been stopped on suspicion of drunk driving in Baltimore, you may have been asked to perform a field sobriety test. These tests are designed to help officers determine whether a driver may be impaired, but their reliability is far from perfect.
To protect yourself from unjust penalties, share the specifics of your drunk driving arrest with a Baltimore criminal lawyer. In many cases, the results of field sobriety tests can be successfully challenged in court, especially when handled by an experienced attorney.
The Reliability of Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are physical and cognitive exercises used by police officers during roadside stops. They are employed to assess potential impairment. There are three common standardized tests endorsed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), including the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, the walk-and-turn test, and the one-leg stand test.
While often used by prosecution teams to prove a driver was intoxicated, field sobriety test results are not as definitive as many people assume. Even under ideal conditions studies have shown that FSTs can produce false positives for impairment.
For example, fatigue, anxiety, medical conditions, or uneven pavement can make a sober person appear intoxicated. Additionally, officers sometimes misinterpret results or fail to administer the tests correctly according to NHTSA standards.
In Baltimore, where roadside conditions can vary dramatically, from crowded downtown streets to poorly lit suburban areas, these tests may be even less accurate. That is why they are typically one of the first pieces of evidence a skilled defense lawyer reviews when considering how to push back on a DUI or DWI charge.
Common Challenges to FST Evidence
There are several ways an attorney can dispute the results of a field sobriety test. Common challenges include:
- Improper administration. If the officer did not follow NHTSA procedures exactly, the test results may be invalid.
- Unreliable conditions. Poor lighting, uneven ground, or bad weather can make accurate testing impossible.
- Medical or physical limitations. Conditions such as inner ear problems, back injuries, or certain medications can affect balance and coordination.
- Subjective interpretation. Officers rely on observation rather than measurable data, making the results inherently subjective.
By highlighting these flaws, your lawyer may be able to weaken the prosecution’s case and have key evidence excluded.
Facing DUI or DWI charges in Maryland can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. A Baltimore criminal lawyer can carefully examine every aspect of your case to determine whether your rights were violated or evidence was mishandled.
Because field sobriety tests and the results they provide are often a cornerstone of many drunk driving cases, challenging their accuracy can make a significant difference in the outcome of a case. With the right defense strategy, it may be possible to reduce or even dismiss the charges altogether.
Could legal advice be what you need? Share details of the drunk driving arrest, including how the stop was initiated and how the field sobriety tests were conducted, with the attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP. To book a confidential consultation, contact us.
