Reasons to Consider Challenging Field Sobriety Test Results in De Lisle
There are several reasons to pursue challenges to field sobriety test results, starting with the potential to reduce or eliminate evidence that led to arrest. If tests were administered on uneven ground, in poor lighting, or without proper instructions, they may not accurately reflect sobriety. Additionally, medical conditions, injuries, or medications can impact performance and lead to false positives. Addressing these issues early allows for motions to suppress unreliable evidence and for building a defense that emphasizes factual and procedural weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Challenging tests can also lead to better negotiation leverage with prosecutors, potentially resulting in reduced charges or alternative resolutions that lessen long-term consequences. For many clients in De Lisle, protecting driving privileges and avoiding a criminal record are top priorities. A careful review of all stop and arrest details can help preserve employment, insurance status, and personal freedoms. Taking action promptly after a stop improves the chances of securing relevant records and preserving arguments that might otherwise be lost over time.
Common Situations Where Field Sobriety Challenges Are Needed
Challenges are often necessary when field sobriety tests were performed under impractical or unfair conditions, when the person tested had an identifiable medical condition, or when officer reports conflict with video evidence. Other triggers include unclear instructions, lack of demonstration, or performance that can reasonably be attributed to stress, fatigue, or environmental hazards rather than impairment. Identifying these circumstances early helps shape defensive strategies and determine whether focused motions or a full-scale defense is the best course.
Poor environmental conditions during the test
Environmental factors such as rain, wind, poor lighting, or uneven pavement can significantly affect a person’s ability to perform field sobriety tasks. Tests performed on sloped or broken surfaces or on soft shoulders can produce false indicators of impairment. When these conditions exist, it is appropriate to challenge the validity of the test administration, especially if video or photographs confirm that the location was unsuitable. Demonstrating the effect of the environment on performance can reduce reliance on those test results in court.
Physical or medical limitations that mimic impairment
Chronic conditions, temporary injuries, inner ear problems, neurological disorders, or certain prescriptions can cause balance and coordination issues unrelated to alcohol use. When such medical or physical limitations are present, a defense can document and explain how these issues affected test performance. Providing medical records, physician statements, or testimony can help the court understand alternative reasons for observed behavior and challenge assumptions that poor performance equates to intoxication.
Improper administration or unclear instructions by the officer
Field sobriety tests require clear instructions and consistent administration to produce reliable results. Officers sometimes fail to demonstrate tasks, give confusing directions, or inaccurately record responses. When body cam or dashcam footage shows unclear instructions or conflicting officer accounts, those discrepancies can be used to attack the reliability of the tests. Highlighting procedural errors and inconsistencies undermines the strength of the state’s evidence and can support motions to exclude or limit the use of those observations.
