Field Sobriety Tests in Manhattan DUI Cases

When a police officer suspects you of driving under the influence (DUI), they usually conduct a field sobriety test to determine if their suspicions are accurate. These are standard procedures used by law enforcement officers to evaluate a driver’s level of impairment due to alcohol or drugs during a traffic stop. However, some tests can be subjective. There can be varying levels of success for any individual regardless of their alcohol consumption. Also, many people do not know that they are not obligated under the law to comply and can refuse to take these tests.

It is essential to know your rights when you are facing a field sobriety test or are being accused of driving under the influence after taking one. Just because you are charged with a DUI due to sobriety test results does not mean that you are automatically guilty. One of the primary reasons individuals should consider hiring a DUI attorney to fight field sobriety tests is the inherent subjectivity involved in their administration and interpretation. You need an attorney who is well acquainted with field sobriety tests in Manhattan DUI cases.

Common Field Sobriety Tests

There are many kinds of tests to see if someone has been consuming alcohol or drugs. They can consist of:

• One-leg stand
• Counting backwards from 10
• Doing the rhombus balance test
• Reciting the alphabet backwards
• Walking and turning in a straight line
• Participating in hand coordination tests
• Touching the tip of the nose with the eyes closed
• Finger counting (count starting from one while touching each finger to your thumb)

These field sobriety tests are not foolproof, and many experts contest their accuracy. Anyone facing DUI charges in Manhattan should not hesitate to challenge the results of any field sobriety tests with the assistance of a lawyer.

Why People Often Fail

Many people who are completely sober fail field sobriety tests as well, which is another reason why people have contested these sobriety tests. Some of those contributing factors are:

• Age: older adults may struggle with balance and coordination
• Stress or trauma: a person with PTSD or recent traumatic events can cause someone’s cognitive function to be impaired
• Environmental factors: slippery streets, poor lighting, and uneven terrain can all cause someone to do poorly
• Intimidation: feeling intimidated or pressured by the presence of law enforcement officers can affect a person’s ability to concentrate and perform well
• Injuries or disabilities: if an officer is not aware of these disabilities and how they affect someone’s physical conduct, they may assume that the person is not sober
• Anxiety: the physical manifestations of anxiety like shaking, muscle tension, and other uncontrollable movements, can affect an officer’s interpretation of an individual’s sobriety.
• Fatigue: similar to anxiety, fatigue can affect someone’s muscles and movements, which can be caused by medications that make someone feel exhausted and be mistaken as intoxication
• Not understanding the instructions: sometimes, people cannot properly hear an officer’s instructions, or the officer may give the instructions in a vague or confusing manner, which can lead to mistakes in carrying out what is asked

Upon failing one of these evaluations, the officer can determine that there is probable cause to arrest you. They will then try to take your breath or blood test to measure your blood alcohol content (BAC). A skilled Manhattan DUI attorney can use evidence and witness testimony to show alternative reasons for a person’s poor performance during a field sobriety test.

Hire A Manhattan Attorney for Help in DUI Cases with Sobriety Tests

Crafting a strong defense against DUI charges based on your performance during a sobriety field evaluation is crucial to protect your rights and prospects. A DUI conviction can affect the rest of your life. A knowledgeable lawyer who is versed in field sobriety tests in Manhattan DUI cases could help. We could explore various legal strategies, such as challenging the legality of the traffic stop or the officer’s probable cause for conducting the assessment. Understanding the legal system can be complicated and confusing. Reach out to us today for a consultation.