Challenging the Reliability of Field Sobriety Tests in Los Angles DUI Investigations
If you have been charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) offense in Los Angeles, you may be familiar with the routine field sobriety tests used by the police to gauge impairment. However, these tests, such as walk-the-line and one-leg-stand, have been proven to be scientifically unreliable in multiple studies. It’s essential to know your rights and understand why these tests are flawed, as they can greatly affect the outcome of your case. Because of the unreliability of the Field Sobriety Test, as Los Angeles DUI Attorney explains here, we recommend that you decline to participate in these exercises. When you do not submit to the field sobriety tests, you increase your chances of winning your Los Angeles DUI. Not only, the police officer might decide to let you go and not arrest you, but also, if arrested, you improve your chances of getting your DUI case dismissed.
Historical Inaccuracy of Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests have been scrutinized for decades. Studies by Burns & Moskowitz in 1977 and Tharp in 1981 revealed that the methods used in DUI investigations were not scientifically sound. These studies concluded that the results of field sobriety tests should not be the sole basis for determining a driver’s impairment.
Evidence Against Common Sobriety Tests
A landmark study by Spurgeon Cole and Ronald Nowaczyk in 1994 in the “Perceptual and Motor Skills Journal” published by SAGE Publishing, further emphasized the unreliability of walk-the-line and one-leg-stand tests. The research demonstrated that police officers often misjudged sober individuals as impaired by alcohol after observing them perform these tests. This study uses a scientific approach to illustrate the lack of reliability of field sobriety tests and highlights the need for more precise methods of evaluation.
There, 21 individuals were used as subjects with 14 police officers trying to determine impairment by watching the performance of all these individuals on 6 field sobriety tests and 4 normal ability tests. All participating officers competed in the state DUI training program. 46% of officers gave false positive results, to wit, that the participating individuals were impaired when in fact they were not. The study concluded:
The study brings the validity of the field sobriety tests into question. If law enforcement officials and courts wish to continue to use field sobriety tests as evidence of driving impairment, then further study needs to be conducted addressing the direct relationship of performance on these and other tests with driving. To date, research has concentrated on the relationship between performance and BAC and officers’ perception of impairment. This study indicates that these perceptions may be faulty.
Why Choose Los Angeles DUI Attorney for Your DUI Defense
As a specialized criminal and DUI defense attorney in Los Angeles, we are well-versed in the latest research and legal precedents concerning DUI investigations. We believe in challenging flawed evidence and will carefully examine every aspect of your case, including the validity of field sobriety tests. Don’t let unreliable testing methods ruin your reputation and your life; contact Los Angles DUI Attorney today for quality affordable Los Angeles DUI defense.
The historical skepticism and scientific evidence against field sobriety tests make them an unsound basis for DUI charges. Relying on outdated and flawed methods can lead to unjust charges and convictions. If you face DUI allegations, you need an experienced legal professional who knows the fallibility of these tests. Our firm is committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive a fair trial. Contact Los Angeles DUI Attorney today to learn how we can best defend you against DUI in Los Angles or nearby counties.
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