How can a lawyer challenge the results of a field sobriety test?

A lawyer can effectively challenge the results of a field sobriety test by questioning the administration and conditions of the tests. This approach allows the defense to scrutinize factors such as how the tests were conducted, whether they adhered to standardized procedures, and if the environmental conditions were fair.

Field sobriety tests are designed to be administered under specific conditions and protocols to ensure their reliability. If these conditions—such as the surface on which the test was performed, the lighting, or the presence of distractions—were not controlled, the validity of the test results can be compromised. Furthermore, if the officer did not properly instruct the suspect or observed the test inappropriately, this could also lead to questioning the reliability of the results.

Challenging the administration and conditions helps to establish reasonable doubt regarding the accuracy of the test findings, which is an essential part of the defense's strategy in DUI cases.