Why Sobriety Tests are Flawed

Late at night and on the weekends, police are on the lookout for drunk drivers. If they suspect that there is a small chance that you are driving while intoxicated, you will likely be pulled over. If you are stopped on suspicion of drunk driving, the police may ask you to step out of your vehicle to perform some “sobriety tests” on the spot. Unfortunately, these “tests” are not an impartial or conclusive way of determining someone’s level of intoxication.

If you have been arrested for DUI simply because you failed a sobriety test, contact Rhode Island DUI defense lawyer James Powderly today at 401-662-9006.

Sobriety Tests and Police Bias

When an officer asks you to step out of your car and perform a sobriety test, it’s because he or she already suspects that you are drunk. You may be asked to stand on one leg, walk a straight line, or carry out other tests of balance. However, these activities are more a test of coordination than they are of drunkenness. When you are performing any of these tests, the officer is looking for any slight wobble or mistake so that he or she can arrest you. This isn’t a fair or definite way to determine intoxication, but this is how it is often done.

Defending Your Case

Because sobriety tests are more a test of balance and coordination than sobriety, many people would fail even when sober. They are therefore not a good indicator of a person’s level of drunkenness and provide only questionable evidence at best. Rhode Island DUI lawyer James Powderly understands this, and he has the knowledge and experience to defend your case against unsound evidence. If you have been charged with DUI, it is important to remember that you have certain inalienable legal rights and that you remain innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has been arrested for drunk driving, don’t hesitate to contact Rhode Island DUI lawyer James Powderly today at 401-662-9006 to begin preparing your defense.