Field Sobriety Tests in Atlanta Explained

Field Sobriety Tests in Atlanta Explained

Field sobriety tests are one of the primary forms of evidence in DUI cases, yet these exams can often prove inaccurate and difficult to defend against.

Georgia DUI lawyers possess many tools at their disposal that can put doubt on the results of these tests, from poor testing conditions and medical concerns to officer mistakes and officer negligence.

Eye Test

Officers conducting DUI stops usually begin by administering the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test. This involves moving a stimulus 12-15 inches in front of someone’s nose and slightly above eye level until an involuntary jerking of eyes occurs; HGN testing is one of three standardised DUI law enforcement tests taught during training in Georgia.

The walk and turn test is another standard field sobriety test used to assess impairment by alcohol or drugs. It consists of nine steps (heel to toe) taken in a straight line followed by an 180 degree turn and nine more heel to toe steps in an unsteady gait, without losing balance, which an officer can use as indicators that they think you might be impaired due to alcohol or drugs.

The last standardized test is the one leg stand test. While this exam does not validate for overweight or elderly individuals, nor can it accurately reflect police administering it, neither are valid measures to assess accuracy in results.

Walk and Turn Test

The Walk and Turn Test is one of the three Standardized Field Sobriety tests administered by law enforcement in Georgia, consisting of a divided attention test requiring individuals to take nine steps forward before turning 180 degrees and taking another nine steps back again – police look out for eight specific clues during this exam that may lead to a DUI arrest.

Of course, there can be many reasons for failing the walk and turn test other than intoxication. A person may have trouble maintaining balance due to injury or health conditions like obesity or back pain; additionally, the surface on which it takes place could alter results significantly.

As is sometimes the case, an officer could provide incorrect instructions or make mistakes that impacted your score negatively. If an officer made mistakes that resulted in your arrest, these mistakes can be used as leverage against them to reduce or dismiss charges altogether.

One Leg Stand Test

This test requires drivers to stand on one leg for 30 seconds while counting, with an officer looking for signs of swaying, using their arms for balance, or placing one foot down before time is up. While not scientific in its design, officers use this non-standardized procedure as justification for DUI arrests; breathalyzers and blood tests which send their results directly to a lab are more accurate in their accuracy.

The One Leg Stand Test can be an effective form of evidence of impairment; however, its administration can be difficult and inconsistent across officers. Nerves or wearing uncomfortable footwear may impact one’s ability to complete this field sobriety test; thus requiring skilled Atlanta DUI lawyers who understand that field sobriety tests are only one component when facing DUI charges.

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test

Officers use a pen light or finger held against your face as they ask you to follow it with your eyes, looking for signs of impairment. In particular, officers look for irregular eye movement – nystagmus – as your eyes follow a stimulus. Officers look for three clues during this portion of the test: lack of smooth pursuit; onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees; and distinct nystagmus at maximum deviation.

Many individuals fail the HGN test, providing substantial evidence against them in DUI cases. A skilled DUI defense attorney can counter these results by suggesting other causes – flashing lights from a patrol car, distractions, or eye fatigue could have caused it. Familiarity with all versions of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Manual is key in building an effective defense strategy.