About Field Sobriety Tests in Cobb County

Marietta DUI Defense Lawyer

Most DUI arrests include not only blood and breath tests, but also several field sobriety tests.  The tests most often used are the horizontal gaze nystagmus, the “walk and turn”, and the “one-leg stand”.  Even though these tests are known to have a high percentage of inaccuracy, they are still used to assist in determining if the individual has been driving while impaired.  The procedure to administer these tests is very specific.  They are outlined by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), and officer must be trained to correctly administer the test.  Not all officers have had the most current training, and could have used faulty techniques when asking you to perform the tests.  This has been found to be the situation in countless cases in the past.   It is important that your Cobb County DUI lawyer is very familiar with the procedures and the correct administration of these tests.

DUI Defense Attorney

For example, the “walk and turn” test must be administered on a flat surface that is away from traffic.  Often this test has been shown to have been administered on the side of the road on a curved and uneven shoulder with traffic moving by.  Even when the tests are carefully and properly administered, there are many factors that could result in a “fail” other than being intoxicated.  These factors could include, age of the individual, fear, language problems, balance problems, medical conditions, and others. 

Attorney Richard Lawson is has been trained by the NHTSA and is qualified to instruct law enforcement officers in the correct procedure in field sobriety tests.   This means for the client that if the field sobriety tests are part of the evidence that led to your arrest, the legal team from the Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson is highly qualified to challenge and cross examine the law enforcement officer involved in the testing.  Even when the tests have been administered properly, the one found to be most accurate by the NHTSA has been found to have 77% accuracy.  When choosing an attorney to defend you, it is important to know that any possible opening for the defense will be exploited on your behalf.  The legal team at the Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson is prepared to fight for you and protect your rights.

Contact a Cobb County DUI attorney from the Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson without delay if you have been arrested and charged with any DUI offense.