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Field Sobriety Tests

Field Sobriety Tests in Ohio

Columbus DUI & OVI Attorney

Attorney Zachuary Meranda is certified in DWI Detection and Field Sobriety Testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). He has firsthand knowledge of these processes and how they should be conducted. As a result, he knows exactly how to fight your DUI based on police misconduct during your arrest. Few attorneys have this insight or certification, so do not hesitate to learn how The Meranda Law Firm LTD can help. Call (614) 707-4239 for a consultation!

Field Sobriety Test Guidelines

Roadblocks are one method used to get intoxicated drivers off the roadways in Ohio. The Sobriety Checkpoint Guide from the National Highway Safety Administration covers the standards for conducting DUI sobriety roadblocks in an attempt to catch drunk drivers. There are three basic standardized field sobriety tests used to determine if the driver is too impaired to operate a vehicle safely. They are:

  • Heel to toe or walk and turn
  • One leg stand
  • Nystagmus test

The tests were developed by the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) and contained in the "DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing" manual used by law enforcement. Aside from being stopped at a roadblock sobriety checkpoint, a driver suspected of drunk driving is always subject to arrest, and field sobriety testing is one method used to establish that the individual is likely under the influence of alcohol.

About Nystagmus Testing

Alcohol consumption causes a jerky eye movement called "nystagmus". The test involves having the suspect follow with the eyes a pen or finger moved in a horizontal direction while keeping the head steady. There is a checklist for the officer to follow when administering the test and while watching for any nystagmus. The test administrator notes whether the eyes are tracking equally and have smooth pursuit. This is the "horizontal gaze nystagmus" (HGN test). This may seem like a reliable test but it is flawed. The test is not completely accurate because even the smallest amount of alcohol can cause nystagmus. Roadside dust, allergies, or other elements can affect the condition of the eyes or eye movement as well. This is the test that has the highest degree of accuracy, and when measured in controlled testing, was found to be only 77% correct, when administered correctly. This is a large margin of error.

Other factors can affect the validity of field sobriety testing. A driver with a bad back or one who is overweight may not be capable of performing a one leg stand or other required physical tasks. A driver may be too nervous to perform the tests satisfactorily. If your DUI/OVI arrest was partially based on field sobriety testing evidence, you can have our Columbus OVI attorney evaluate your case. There is doubt at many levels as to the actual reliability and accuracy of the tests.

Have you failed a field sobriety test? Are you looking at a possible DUI on your driving record? Call The Meranda Law Firm LTD today! 15+ Year's Legal Experience -- Free Initial Consultations Available!

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    “Great Job”
    Zach did a great job representing me. He worked hard to take care of me in my case. If I ever need a lawyer again, I'll definitely give him a call first.
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    I would give The Meranda Law Firm a 10 out of 10 for the pre-case advice, the genuine concern about his client, and the time and effort that was put into the case from beginning to the end. If there is anytime in the future I would need an attorney Zach has earned my business. Thank you Mr. Meranda for all that you covered and all that you helped me with.
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    Zach Meranda was a real attorney with a no bull shit strategy!!! But he won my criminal case even when the odds were against me and I thank him and his associates!!
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    I could not have asked for a better attorney than Mr. Meranda. He was very professional and yet made sure that I was comfortable and understood everything about my case. I am so grateful to have been referred to his office! I highly recommend his office as his rates are affordable, he is very honest, and he is very knowledgeable.
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    Zach is a great attorney. He has represented me twice and both times I got positive results. If you need an attorney call The Meranda Law Firm, he's the best.
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    I couldn't have asked for a better attorney. I've had other attorneys and Zach is the only one that actually knew my case and put a lot of time and effort into making sure the outcome was good, which it definitely was. I really think he is one of the best attorneys & I highly recommend him to anyone that needs legal help.
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    Mr. Meranda does his research! He is very professional and promotes himself and law firm in a great manner. He digs to find the facts and will work hard for you. He makes sure you understand what you are facing and will try to come to the best outcome possible. He is easy to talk to and he tells you “like it is.” He is an upfront, affordable lawyer. I highly recommend The Meranda Law Firm to anyone who is seeking help.
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    “Can’t Thank Him Enough”
    Zach Meranda is very professional and really seemed to care about my case! Very friendly, and explained everything so I understood exactly what was going on. Answered all of my questions and never judged. He was great!!! I would recommend him to anyone who wants a great attorney. Can’t thank him enough.
    - Anonymous

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  • Should I be worried if I am innocent?
    The short answer to this question is yes. Our legal system, though endowed with powerful rights and time-tested procedures, is far from perfect. Proclaiming yourself innocent is far from a legal defense, and you will need the assistance of an experienced attorney to gather information and refute evidence. It is a sad fact that innocent people are sometimes convicted of crimes they did not commit. If you have been arrested, a team member from The Meranda Law Firm LTD, serving both Columbus and Newark, can go to immediate work on constructing a strong defense and on seeking to have unfounded charges dropped.
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