The Law Office Of Caroline Norman Frost | Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney
Caroline Frost
Rated by Super Lawyers


loading ...
Nation's Premier NACDA Top Ten Ranking 2023
The Law Office Of Caroline Norman Frost | Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney

Call

Maryland’s Most Zealous Criminal and DUI Defense Attorney

What you should know about the Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST)

On Behalf of | Oct 7, 2024 | Firm News

The Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) is a series of three tests used by law enforcement officers to assess a driver’s level of impairment due to alcohol or drugs. The three standardized tests are:

  1. Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN): The officer observes the eyes of the driver while they follow a moving object (usually a pen) to detect involuntary jerking, which can indicate intoxication.
  2. Walk-and-Turn Test: The driver is instructed to walk a straight line, turn, and return. This tests balance and coordination.
  3. One-Leg Stand Test: The driver must stand on one leg for a specified time while counting. This assesses balance and stability.


Common Ways to Suppress Evidence from SFST Performance

There are several potential legal arguments for suppressing evidence obtained from SFSTs:

  1. Improper Administration: If the officer did not follow proper procedures for administering the tests, the results may be deemed unreliable.
  2. Lack of Probable Cause: If the officer did not have sufficient probable cause to stop the vehicle initially, any evidence gathered during the stop, including SFST results, could be suppressed.
  3. Medical Conditions: If the driver has a medical condition (e.g., inner ear issues, injuries) that affects their ability to perform the tests, this can be used to argue that the results are not indicative of impairment.
  4. Environmental Factors: Poor conditions (e.g., wet surfaces, distracting environments) during the tests can affect performance and may be grounds for suppression.
  5. Officer Training and Experience: Challenging the officer’s qualifications and training in administering SFSTs can undermine the reliability of the test results.
  6. Improper Observation Time: Officers are required to observe the driver for a minimum time before conducting SFSTs. Failure to do this could invalidate the test.
  7. Test Subjectivity: The inherent subjectivity of the SFST evaluations may be argued, emphasizing that the results can vary significantly between individuals.

Consulting with a legal professional experienced in DUI cases is essential for effective defense strategies related to SFST evidence.