When someone is charged with a DUI, the prosecution often relies on field sobriety tests to prove their case. However, these tests are not always accurate and can be challenged by an experienced DUI attorney in Riverside.
Using their knowledge of the law and legal strategies, lawyers can question the reliability of these tests and potentially have them thrown out as evidence in court. This is crucial to building a strong defense for those facing DUI charges.
Keep reading to learn more about how lawyers challenge the accuracy of field sobriety tests in DUI cases and why having a skilled attorney on your side is important.
Questioning Officer Training and Experience
Lawyers may scrutinize the arresting officer’s training and experience in administering field sobriety tests. They argue that improper administration can lead to inaccurate results.
Here are some points that an attorney might examine:
- Officer’s Training: Did the officer receive proper training in administering field sobriety tests?
- Experience Level: How many times has the officer administered these tests?
- Protocol Adherence: Did the officer follow all required protocols exactly during the test?
- Environmental Factors: Could any environmental factors, like poor lighting or uneven ground, have affected the test’s accuracy?
A skilled DUI attorney in Riverside can build a strong defense by focusing on these detailed aspects. Effective questioning can discredit the test results, making it harder for the prosecution to prove its case.
Highlighting Medical Conditions and Physical Limitations
Lawyers often investigate their clients’ medical histories. Medical conditions or physical impairments can impact test results. Some people have issues that affect their balance or coordination. For example, inner ear problems can make someone feel dizzy.
Joint or muscle pain can limit their movement. Lawyers use these factors to argue the tests are not reliable. They show that the client’s condition can lead to false results. This strategy can help weaken the prosecution’s case.
A skilled DUI attorney in Riverside can also bring in expert witnesses to testify about the effects of certain medical conditions on field sobriety tests. This further strengthens the argument and increases the chances of having the test results dismissed.
Pointing Out Subjective Interpretation
Field sobriety tests often rely on the subjective judgment of the officer. Lawyers can argue that personal biases or misinterpretations could have influenced the officer’s assessment. Officers may have preconceived notions about people based on their appearance or behavior. These biases can lead to unfair judgments during the tests.
Lawyers might also question the officer’s state of mind. Fatigue or stress can affect their ability to assess a person’s sobriety accurately. This can be especially true in cases where the officer has made multiple arrests in a short amount of time. By highlighting these factors, an attorney can cast doubt on the validity of the test results.
Need a DUI Lawyer in Riverside? Contact Empire Law Group!
If you or a loved one are facing DUI charges in Riverside, CA, it is crucial to have an experienced DUI attorney on your side. At Empire Law, we have a team of skilled lawyers who can challenge the accuracy of field sobriety tests and fight for your rights. Contact us today!