Standardized and Non-Standardized Field Sobriety Tests during a DUI Stop
Being arrested for driving under the influence can have very serious consequences for you, both in the short and long term. It is very important that you work with a dedicated and experienced drunk driving attorney in Maryland if this occurs.
When a person is stopped on suspicion of driving under the influence, there are certain tests that the law enforcement officer will have the driver perform. Some are standardized, while others are non-standardized. Your drunk driving attorney in Maryland will know which are which and whether their accuracy can be challenged, standardized or not.
Your Drunk Driving Lawyer in Maryland Will Be Familiar with Tests and Studies
The study of field sobriety tests was undertaken in 1975 by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They published their findings in 1977. The results indicated that three tests were consistent with being impaired. They are the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), one leg stand, and walk and turn. Your drunk driving attorney in Maryland will be well-acquainted with these tests.
Tests That Were Not Validated Can Be Challenged by Your Dunk Driving Attorney in Maryland
When testing a driver for DUI, law enforcement officers often give other tests that have not been declared as standardized. The HGN test is generally considered to be reliable because it has its basis in science. Other tests can be challenged by your drunk driving lawyer in Maryland if they are used by the officer to determine that a driver is impaired. Some of these tests may not have been verified in any manner to be trustworthy when charging a person with DUI, but officers will use them anyway.
Contact an Experienced Drunk Driving Attorney in Maryland If you have been arrested for drunk driving and have concerns about the tests that were given by the police officer at the time of the traffic stop, it is important to speak to an experienced drunk driving attorney in Maryland. Call Rowe, Weinstein & Sohn, PLLC at 301-770-4710 or 1-888-340-7583 to discuss your case today.
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