New Jersey DUI Lawyers Discuss Field Sobriety Tests
You are probably familiar with field sobriety tests. They are the physical tasks that officers ask drivers suspected of drunk driving to complete in order to demonstrate their level of intoxication. You have probably seen them on television or you might have observed them while driving along the road. If you have been pulled over for DUI in New Jersey, you might have been asked to complete a battery of field sobriety tests yourself. Cherry Hill DUI lawyers think it is important that all drivers in the South Jersey area know what constitutes as a field sobriety test.
What many New Jersey drivers do not realize is that they are not required to complete field sobriety tests when asked to do so. New Jersey’s implied consent law requires drivers to submit blood, breath, or urine samples when asked by a law enforcement officer, but this does not extend to field sobriety tests.
Standardized Field Sobriety Test
The standard field sobriety test consists of three tasks:
- One-leg stand
- Walk and turn
- Horizontal gaze nystagmus
These tasks were determined to be scientifically accurate by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, the horizontal gaze nystagmus was deemed to be “non-scientific” by New Jersey courts, rendering its results inadmissible. Some studies have found the others, along with field sobriety tests not included in the standard set, to be unscientific or inaccurate indicators of an individual’s intoxication level.
Disputing the Results of a Field Sobriety Test
As discussed above, the results of a field sobriety test are not necessarily accurate. Because of this, you may dispute the results of your field sobriety test during your DUI hearing. Being pulled over for a supposed DUI is stressful, and this stress combined with the stresses of the traffic driving by, the flashing lights of the police cruiser, and any physical limitations you have can cause you to fail the field sobriety test despite being completely sober. Discuss your stress levels during the arrest and your physical limitations, such as an injury or your weight, when determining a legal strategy to dispute your charge with your lawyer.
New Jersey DUI Lawyers at The Law Offices of Michele Finizio Can Help You Contest the Results of a Field Sobriety Test
If you completed a field sobriety test and its results are now being used to support a DUI charge against you, know that you can still fight it. Work with our experienced New Jersey DUI lawyers to determine the right legal strategy for your case based on its circumstances. Be proactive and fill out our online form or call 856-888-9059 today to schedule your initial consultation with the Law Offices of Michele Finizio in our Moorestown, New Jersey office. Our firm works with clients from Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, and Salem County.