Baltimore Criminal Defense Lawyers
Challenge The Results of Your Field Sobriety Test in Baltimore Courts
An officer must have probable cause for pulling you over, which could include accusations that you were speeding, driving too slowly, swerving, making erratic lane changes or simply not putting on your turn signal. At this point, the officer is trained to look for signs of impairment, such as the smell of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and lethargic or belligerent behavior. You may then be asked to perform a series of activities, referred to as field sobriety tests, that allegedly analyze whether you are intoxicated.
LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton has effectively defended clients throughout Baltimore and our surrounding communities against misdemeanor and felony DUI charges for 33 years. To raise reasonable doubt about DUI charges, a Baltimore DUI lawyer at our firm will challenge the prosecution’s evidence arising from the law enforcement officer’s observations and Breathalyzer machine and field sobriety tests.
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus
Horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) is the normal involuntary movement of your eyes that increases as you gaze toward the peripheral line of sight. Alcohol and drugs can exaggerate this natural eye movement and cause it to occur under less extreme angles. To test for eye-jerking, an officer steadily moves a small flashlight or other object in front of your face and asks you to follow it with your eyes. In this entirely subjective test, the officer decides what is considered unnatural eye movement. Keep in mind that head injuries and certain diseases can cause HGN in totally sober people.
Walk-and-Turn
The walk-and-turn test is intended to analyze your balance and concentration. As you take nine steps heel-to-toe along a straight line, the officer observes how many times you fall off balance or fail to put one foot directly in front of the other, as instructed. Medical conditions, such as a leg or back injury, brain trauma, ear infection or sciatica, can cause balance and mobility issues. In addition, gravel, uneven pavement, or a graded or sloped surface can make it more difficult to keep your balance. Wearing high-heeled shoes or flip-flops can also cause you to stumble.
One-Leg Stand
The one-leg-stand test is also designed to assess coordination, balance and concentration. While standing on one leg, you are instructed to count. Your age, weight, physical conditioning and other factors can affect the results of this test.
Baltimore DUI Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Challenging Negative Results of a Field Sobriety Test
Learn how to challenge DUI evidence successfully by calling LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact our firm online. Call today to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced Baltimore DUI lawyer.