What Are the Different Kinds of Field Sobriety Tests?

Police typically use three standardized field sobriety tests during an OVI investigation: the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, the Walk-and-Turn test, and the One-Leg Stand test. While these tests help officers determine whether they have probable cause to make an arrest, they don’t automatically prove that you were operating a vehicle under the influence.

If field sobriety tests played a role in your OVI arrest, speak to our Mt. Gilead criminal defense attorneys at The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. to learn how they work and how we can potentially use them to build your defense.

Why Do Police Use Field Sobriety Tests in Mt. Gilead OVI Cases?

The field sobriety tests recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are designed to help officers evaluate whether a driver shows signs of impairment. They’re only one part of an OVI (Operating a Vehicle While Impaired) investigation, along with the officer’s observations, driving behavior, statements made during the traffic stop, and any breath, blood, or urine test results. In the Mt. Gilead area, these tests are commonly administered after traffic stops on busy roads such as I-70, I-71, U.S. Route 33, or city streets where officers suspect impaired driving.

Field sobriety tests are only useful if they’re administered correctly. Under Ohio Rev. Code § 4511.19(D)(4)(b), the results may be admitted in court only if the officer substantially complied with the applicable testing standards, making the way the tests were performed an important issue in many OVI cases.

The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test

The HGN test examines how your eyes track a moving object, such as a flashlight or a pen. Officers look for involuntary jerking of the eyes, known as nystagmus, which may be associated with alcohol or certain drug impairment. However, alcohol isn’t the only possible cause. Certain medical conditions, medications, fatigue, or improper administration of the test may also affect the results. Our criminal defense lawyers can review the officer’s training, body camera footage, and testing procedures to determine whether the HGN test was administered correctly.

The Walk-and-Turn Test

During the Walk-and-Turn test, you’ll be asked to take heel-to-toe steps along a straight line, turn, and return in the same manner while following the officer’s instructions.

Difficulty completing the test doesn’t always mean someone is impaired. Uneven pavement, poor lighting, inappropriate footwear, injuries, age, or balance issues can all affect the driver’s performance.

One-Leg Stand Test

For the One-Leg Stand test, you must raise one foot several inches off the ground while counting aloud for a specified period. Officers look for clues such as putting your foot down, hopping, or swaying. Many people struggle with this test for reasons unrelated to alcohol or drugs. Knee or back injuries, inner ear disorders, physical disabilities, excess weight, or even nervousness may affect balance. Our criminal defense attorneys in Mt. Gilead can determine whether the officer considered these factors before concluding that you were impaired.

Can You Challenge Field Sobriety Test Results?

Yes. Courts may examine whether the officer substantially complied with standardized testing procedures and whether outside factors affected a driver’s performance. Remember, even if the police justify your arrest due to your field sobriety test results, they are only one piece of the evidence in your OVI case.

Get Answers About Your OVI Case From Our Criminal Defense Lawyers in Mt. Gilead

Field sobriety tests can influence an officer’s decision to make an arrest. However, they don’t automatically determine whether you’ll be convicted of OVI. Get in touch with The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. and arrange your no-charge case evaluation by submitting our contact form or calling 614-444-3036.