Field Sobriety Tests
Columbus OVI Lawyers: Certified in Testing Methods
Field sobriety tests must be administered in compliance with legal procedures. If a sobriety test is not conducted in adherence to specific laws, the results cannot be considered admissible by the court. Results of a breath, blood, or urine test must be administered according to mandatory standards.
If your arrest for operating under the influence (OVI) resulted from a violation of a field sobriety test procedure, you need to speak immediately with a Columbus DUI attorney from The Law Offices of Saia & Piatt, Inc. We consider it our duty to make certain that you do not suffer the painful consequences of a wrongful OVI conviction. We can file a motion to suppress evidence in either of these cases. Many times, this can lead to a case acquittal, reduced charge, or in some cases, a case dismissal.
You need an aggressive attorney who concentrates on defending clients accused of drunk driving in Franklin County. From simple to complex cases, we will not be afraid to take your case to a jury. Attorney Jon Saia is certified in field sobriety testing methods, and with our team’s 100+ years of combined legal experience, we have represented countless cases at both state and federal levels since 1996. You can rest assured that, from the moment you retain our firm, we can work hard to ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.
Types of Field Sobriety Tests in Ohio
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus
Nystagmus can be caused by alcohol or drug intoxication. During this test, an officer will look to see whether the person’s eye movement is smooth or establish if there is an involuntary jerking motion of the eye. The human eye normally moves smoothly, but an eye with nystagmus will move in a jerking motion.
One-Leg Stand
Police officers will instruct a driver to choose one leg and lift it off the ground six inches. The police officer will then tell the driver to count out loud to 30. While the driver is performing the test, the officer will be looking for clues that may indicate a high level of intoxication.
Walk-and-Turn Test
Police officers will instruct a driver to stand heel to toe with their hands by their sides. With every step forward, the driver will be required to step toe to heel and count each step out loud. The driver is then made to turn around and repeat the process. The officer will look for any clue that suggests the person is under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance.
Defenses After a Failed or Refused Field Sobriety Test
If you have been accused of drunk driving due to failing or refusing a field sobriety test, speaking immediately with a Columbus DUI defense lawyer from our firm can be your best shot at preserving your driving privileges and avoiding the maximum penalties of conviction. If you are charged with DUI in Ohio, you could be stuck with a criminal record for life, so it’s important that you fight back.
Only a knowledgeable Columbus OVI lawyer can challenge the results of a field sobriety test or chemical test based on the following:
- Failure to properly observe test subject
- Favorable evidence destroyed
- Insufficient evidence collected
- Medical problems that could have affected test results
- Testing equipment failed to operate properly
Rely on Strong, Effective Representation from Our Firm
Do not take the chance of going without representation after you have been arrested for failing a field sobriety test. At The Law Offices of Saia & Piatt, Inc., Founding Attorney Jon Saia is an active member of the National College of DUI Defense and Founding Attorney Piatt has earned an AV® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®. Our firm has dedicated a specific portion of our practice to aggressively defending individuals accused of OVI and DUI in Columbus!
Contact The Law Offices of Saia & Piatt, Inc. to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys. Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We offer strong, effective legal representation at a competitive price, so call us now! We proudly serve areas throughout Ohio, including Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, and Dayton.