Naperville Field Sobriety Test Lawyer

DUI Lawyer Contesting DUI Test Reliability in DuPage County

Many DUI arrests are based on a failed field sobriety test. The police may behave as if abnormal field sobriety test results are definitive proof that you were driving drunk, but they are not correct in doing so. People may fail to pass field sobriety tests for any number of reasons that have nothing to do with intoxication. Further, field sobriety tests are inherently unfair because they are performed on the roadside rather than in a controlled environment. If your DUI arrest was heavily based on the results of your field sobriety test, you may have a very strong defense. Challenging the results of field sobriety tests is a common strategy for beating a DUI because it is frequently successful. Any piece of evidence that can be taken away from the prosecution can help you immensely.

Appelman Law LLC is highly adept at DUI defense. DUI is one of the most common criminal charges in Illinois, and it is often a person's first - and often only - contact with the criminal justice system. Facing criminal charges can be frightening. There is a lot of uncertainty about what will happen. As a DUI charge can result in an automatic driver's license suspension, making it difficult to get around. This can make DUI charges particularly stressful. Our goal is to achieve the best result possible. We will always consider your individual priorities and best interests when planning a course of action.

Why Field Sobriety Tests Are Often Unreliable

There is a certain amount of unfairness inherent to field sobriety testing. The results of a person's tests often depend heavily on where they were pulled over, what the weather is like, and even what type of shoe they are wearing. Common issues that can render a field sobriety test inaccurate include:

• Uneven or difficult surface - It matters where you pulled over. The same individual could have very different results performing sobriety tests in a flat, paved, parking lot versus a slanted grassy shoulder. If there was mud or the surface was slippery, this could have affected your results.
• Weather conditions - In high winds, a perfectly sober person may sway a bit while balancing on one leg or walking in a straight line. Rain may also have an impact.
• Improper footwear - Sneakers are ideal for field sobriety testing, but many prefer high heels or platform shoes for a night out. Attempting to take the tests in heels may result in a false positive.
• Health issues - Some people have health issues that can affect their balance or movement. A person should not be accused of being intoxicated because they have a medical condition. Further, deaf or hard-of-hearing people may not be able to hear the officer's instructions well, resulting in confusion and a needless arrest.

It is also important to know that the results of your field sobriety tests also depend heavily on the officer's subjective observations. Presenting an alternate explanation for the "signs of intoxication" an officer claims to have seen can help your case immensely. Your defense is of particular importance if you have prior DUI convictions. Remember that to prove a DUI case, the state must be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were intoxicated. When a DUI charge is heavily based on the results of a field sobriety test, an attorney may be able to create reasonable doubt that those results are accurate. Defeating the field sobriety test is often a winning strategy in DUI cases.

Contact a Naperville Field Sobriety Test Lawyer

Appelman Law LLC is committed to providing the best criminal defense services possible. Our DuPage County field sobriety test attorneys will work diligently and fight for the best outcome for you. Contact us at 630-717-7801 to receive a complimentary consultation.