Field Sobriety Tests Can Be Flawed

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, even the most accurate field sobriety test is accurate less than 80 percent of the time.

In other words, not passing a field sobriety test or even a breath, blood or urine test doesn’t make you guilty. Make an informed decision about your future by talking to an experienced Utah DUI lawyer before you say anything more to the authorities.

If you have been charged with drunk driving anywhere in the state of Utah, the experienced defense team at Greg S. Law, can help. Mr. Law is a former police officer who trained other officers on field sobriety testing.

We have successfully represented first-time offenders, individuals facing felony DUI charges, juvenile DUI offenders and others as well. In addition to handling all criminal proceedings, we also provide effective representation in DUI-related civil driver’s license hearings.

Learn more about how our experience can benefit you, and call or contact us online for a free initial consultation with an experienced Salt Lake City field sobriety test attorney.

Chemical Tests Are Required; Field Sobriety Tests Are Not

In order to convict you on a drunk driving charge, the state must show evidence that you were driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .05 or greater, or that you were impaired by alcohol or drugs, to a degree that left you incapable of driving safely.

Because blood, breath and urine tests can be challenged on procedural or scientific grounds, police often perform roadside tests, sometimes called field sobriety tests. When roadside field sobriety tests are given, they must be performed in accordance with strict police procedure. These tests are standardized, so they should be done the same each and every time. Because our attorney team includes a former police officer and DUI investigator, we know how these tests must be performed, and we know when they weren’t performed properly.

Although other field sobriety tests are still in use, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has validated only the following three tests for accuracy:

• The horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) test: Suspects are asked to follow the movements of a penlight or an officer’s finger with their eyes.
• The one-leg stand test: Suspects are asked to stand on one leg.
• The walk-and-turn test: Suspects are asked to walk nine steps, turn and then walk another nine steps back.

In the state of Utah, you have NO legal obligation to take any of these tests and cannot lose your license for a refusal to take a field sobriety test. However, under Utah’s implied consent law, you may lose your license for a refusal to take a blood, breath or urine test.

Let Us Sort Out Your Test Results. Call Us Today.

Call Greg S. Law at 801-428-1029 local or 888-784-3554 toll free.

Our approach is simple: We aggressively defend and work diligently to pursue the best possible result for each and every client we serve. Our goal is not complicated either: We work to see that our clients walk away free with no criminal conviction on their record.

Call either of the two numbers listed above or contact us with a brief e-mail message. We offer a free initial consultation with a Utah DUI arrest attorney, and are available for evening and weekend appointments. We also accept major credit cards.