Field sobriety tests are a standard tool used by law enforcement during DUI stops in Maryland. These tests are designed to assess a driver’s level of impairment based on physical and cognitive performance. However, many Maryland residents facing DUI charges wonder: Are these tests truly accurate and can they be challenged in court?
This blog explores the accuracy of field sobriety tests, their limitations, and how a skilled DUI defense lawyer can help you navigate your case. If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Maryland, understanding your rights and the weaknesses of these tests is essential for building a strong defense.
What Are Field Sobriety Tests?
Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are physical and mental tasks administered by police officers to determine whether a driver is impaired. These tests are typically used alongside a breathalyzer or blood test but often serve as the initial basis for an arrest.
Standardized Field Sobriety Tests:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has approved three main standardized tests:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN): Observing involuntary eye movements as the driver follows a moving object, such as a pen or flashlight.
- Walk-and-Turn (WAT): Asking the driver to walk heel-to-toe in a straight line, turn, and walk back.
- One-Leg Stand (OLS): Requiring the driver to balance on one leg for about 30 seconds.
While these tests are widely used, they are not infallible, and their reliability is often challenged in court.
How Accurate Are Field Sobriety Tests?
Field sobriety tests are far from foolproof. According to the NHTSA, the combined accuracy rate for the three standardized tests is approximately 70% when administered correctly. This leaves significant room for error, especially when external factors come into play.
Factors That Might Affect Accuracy:
- Medical Conditions: Inner ear disorders, neurological issues, or past injuries can impair balance and coordination, leading to false results.
- Environmental Conditions: Uneven pavement, poor lighting, or bad weather can make it harder to perform tests accurately.
- Officer Training and Bias: Proper administration is critical, but not all officers are adequately trained, and preconceived biases may influence their judgment.
- Driver’s Physical and Mental State: Fatigue, stress, or nervousness can mimic impairment symptoms.
Maryland’s Use of Field Sobriety Tests in DUI Cases
Field sobriety tests play a significant role in DUI stops in Maryland, serving as one of the tools police officers use to evaluate whether a driver is impaired. However, it’s important to understand the limitations and legal implications of these tests, as they are not mandatory and are often subject to scrutiny in court.
The Role of Field Sobriety Tests:
Field sobriety tests are typically conducted to establish probable cause for a DUI arrest. While they may provide preliminary evidence of impairment, they are not definitive and are often used in conjunction with chemical tests such as breathalyzers or blood tests. Drivers should be aware that refusing to perform a field sobriety test is within their rights, as Maryland law does not require compliance.
Key Legal Considerations in Maryland
Implied Consent Laws:
While Maryland’s implied consent laws mandate chemical testing (e.g., breath or blood tests) after an arrest, they do not apply to field sobriety tests. Drivers cannot be penalized solely for declining to participate in these tests.
Probable Cause for Arrest:
Results from field sobriety tests are often used to justify a DUI arrest. However, they are only one piece of evidence, and their validity depends on proper administration and the absence of external factors that could affect performance.
Admissibility in Court:
Field sobriety test results can be challenged in court. A DUI defense lawyer may argue that the tests were improperly administered, biased, or influenced by factors such as poor testing conditions or the driver’s medical history. This can lead to the exclusion of test results as evidence.
Field sobriety tests are inherently subjective, and their reliability often depends on the officer’s training and the conditions under which they are administered. Understanding your rights and the limitations of these tests is crucial if you are facing DUI charges in Maryland. Consulting with an experienced DUI defense lawyer can provide clarity and help you challenge the use of these tests in your case.
Why Field Sobriety Tests Are Often Unreliable
As mentioned above, field sobriety tests often rely on subjective observations by law enforcement, leaving room for error and misinterpretation. Factors such as nervousness, physical fitness, or even footwear can influence test outcomes.
Common Issues With FSTs:
- Subjective Scoring: Officers may interpret the same behavior differently, leading to inconsistent results.
- Standardization Issues: Tests are only reliable if administered exactly as outlined by the NHTSA, which isn’t always the case.
- False Positives: Even sober individuals can fail FSTs due to stress, physical limitations, or environmental factors.
These issues underscore the importance of having a DUI defense lawyer who can scrutinize the validity of field sobriety test results.
The Role of a DUI Defense Lawyer in Challenging Field Sobriety Tests
If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Maryland based on field sobriety test results, hiring an experienced DUI defense lawyer is critical. An experienced attorney can identify flaws in the testing process and build a defense to protect your rights.
How a Lawyer Can Help:
- Examine the Test Administration: Reviewing police body camera footage to ensure tests were conducted properly.
- Challenge the Officer’s Observations: Highlighting inconsistencies or biases in the officer’s testimony.
- Introduce Alternative Explanations: Using medical records or expert opinions to explain poor test performance.
- Suppress Faulty Evidence: Arguing for the exclusion of unreliable test results from court proceedings.
A skilled attorney understands the nuances of Maryland DUI law and can craft a strategy tailored to your case.
Should You Refuse a Field Sobriety Test in Maryland?
While refusing a field sobriety test is not a violation of Maryland’s implied consent laws, it can still have consequences. Police officers may view a refusal as a sign of guilt and use it to justify an arrest.
Considerations for Refusal:
- Pros: Avoiding potentially inaccurate test results that could be used against you.
- Cons: Raising suspicion and possibly leading to additional scrutiny, such as a request for a breath or blood test.
If you’re unsure about how to handle a traffic stop, consulting with a DUI defense lawyer after the fact can clarify your rights and options.
Preventing a DUI Charge: Tips for Maryland Drivers
While no one plans to face a DUI charge, taking proactive steps can reduce the likelihood of an arrest:
- Use Rideshare Services: Apps like Uber and Lyft provide safe alternatives to driving after drinking.
- Plan Ahead: Designate a sober driver or arrange for public transportation.
- Know Your Rights: Understanding Maryland’s DUI laws can help you make informed decisions during a traffic stop.
Facing Drunk Driving Charges in Maryland? Call Maronick Law for Aggressive DUI Defense
If you’ve been charged with a DUI based on field sobriety test results in Ocean City, Glen Burnie, Baltimore or elsewhere in Maryland, don’t face the legal system alone. At Maronick Law, our experienced attorneys know how to challenge flawed evidence and protect your rights.
Call us today at 443-351-6657 for a free case evaluation. Don’t let a DUI charge derail your future. Contact us now and let our team fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directl