When the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) developed the Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) in the 1970s, only three tests were deemed reliable enough to include: the One Leg Stand, the Walk and Turn, and the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test. However, many police officers still use non-standardized sobriety tests during DUI stops. Attorney Simon Peed has extensive training in field sobriety tests and can provide a strong defense if you were subjected to these unreliable tests.
What Are Non-Standardized Field Sobriety Tests?
Non-standardized tests lack scientific validation and reliability, yet they are frequently used by law enforcement and allowed as evidence in Georgia DUI trials. Common non-standardized tests include:
- Finger-to-Nose Test
- Reciting the Alphabet (Forward or Backward)
- Counting Exercises
- Picking Up a Coin or Small Object from a Flat Surface
Jurors often perceive a failure in these tests as evidence of intoxication, even though these tests were rejected by NHTSA for their lack of scientific accuracy. Factors such as nervousness, fatigue, or medical conditions could cause someone to perform poorly on these tests, regardless of alcohol consumption.
Defending Against Non-Standardized Test Evidence
If your performance on a non-standardized field sobriety test is being used against you in a Georgia DUI case, Attorney Simon Peed will argue the following:
- Lack of Scientific Reliability: The NHTSA does not recognize these tests as accurate indicators of intoxication.
- Bias in Juror Perception: Jurors may unfairly interpret poor performance as proof of intoxication.
- External Factors: Stress, physical impairments, or environmental conditions could affect your performance.
By highlighting these issues, Attorney Peed can challenge the validity of the evidence and protect your rights in court.
If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Georgia based on non-standardized sobriety tests, Attorney Simon Peed is ready to help. With his extensive legal experience, he will educate the jury about the flaws in these tests and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. Call today for a free consultation.
