Maryland DWI/DUI Laws: Road Tests/Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) and Your Rights (Part B)

Types of Physical Field Sobriety Tests

Physical field sobriety tests are a common sight in many TV shows and movies where a character is pulled over for DUI.

Most of us are familiar with the basics:

• stand on one leg and place your finger on your nose or counting ("one-leg-stand");
• walk heel-to-toe a number of steps in a straight line ("walk-and-turn"); and
• the "light in eyes" test ("horizontal gaze nystagmus").

There are also several other tests such as reciting the alphabet, tilting your head back while on one leg, and other drills that are used to establish lack of coordination and ability to follow simple commands. While some of these tests are approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) they are not always accurate.

When you are pulled over for suspicion of committing Maryland DWI/DUI in Howard County, failure of a field sobriety test is not a conviction for DUI. Rather, it is a potential piece of evidence that an experienced Maryland DUI defense lawyer can help you argue against in court.

The Shortcomings of Field Sobriety Tests

The physical field sobriety tests we just discussed can be weak pieces of evidence in your Maryland DWI/DUI case. They are not always accurate portrayals of impairment by drugs or alcohol and in many cases even completely sober drivers can fail them.

Passing these tests relies largely on coordination, which can vary from person to person. A driver who suffers from arthritis may have difficulty standing on one leg, or uneven pavement can cause a driver to trip while walking in the walk-and-turn test.

In Howard County when you are pulled over on suspected drunk driving you are typically in an emotional state, which can cause you to become frustrated during these tests. One of the defenses a Maryland DUI defense lawyer can use is that you were emotionally compromised, which altered the results of the field sobriety tests.

There are many other defense tactics to be used to fight charges of Maryland DWI/DUI. You shouldn't leave your legal defense to chance - you have the right to an experienced Maryland DUI defense lawyer.

The Benefits of a Maryland DUI Defense Lawyer

Most of us have never challenged the evidence of field sobriety tests in a Howard County DUI arrest. When you don't take action to protect your rights after a Maryland DWI/DUI arrest or charge, you can lose them. The Maryland DUI defense lawyer team from Jimeno Gray includes former Assistant State's Attorneys who thoroughly understand and can harness the inner workings of the Howard County criminal justice system. To best protect your rights in the face of a serious criminal charge, contact us today for a consultation - 410-590-9401.