When Field Sobriety Tests Fail: What the Jury Should Know

Field sobriety tests can shape the outcome of a DUI case, but they’re far from foolproof. Small mistakes, adverse conditions, and misinterpreted instructions often lead to unfair outcomes. A DUI lawyer in Troy, OH, knows how to turn that around.

Jurors tend to trust what they see on paper, but the full story isn’t always in the report. That’s where the right legal strategy comes in. Scott A. Kelly, Attorney at Law, helps clients challenge weak evidence and tell their side clearly.

Read on for the most overlooked reasons these tests fall apart in court.

Key Takeaways

• Field sobriety tests often fail to account for things like medical issues, uneven roads, or poor instructions, which can make sober drivers look impaired.

• Stress, missing video footage, and officer bias can all play a bigger role in test outcomes than most people realize.

• Juries need to hear how flawed testing and weak science can lead to bad arrests and unfair convictions.

Medical Conditions That Mimic Impairment

Some health issues can make a sober person look impaired during a field test. Vertigo can cause balance problems, joint pain can limit movement, and low blood sugar can cause slurred speech or confusion. A DUI lawyer understands how these conditions create false signs of intoxication and uses that knowledge to protect you in court.

Medical proof can change how a jury sees your case. Doctors and experts can explain how your body’s condition affected your test results. With the right evidence, your lawyer can show the difference between real impairment and a medical issue that police misunderstood.

Why Stress Changes Everything

A traffic stop can be a tense and confusing moment. Your heart races, your thoughts scramble, and even simple movements start to feel harder than they should. A DUI lawyer understands that those reactions are natural responses to fear, not signs of intoxication.

Jurors rarely witness how stress can disrupt balance, focus, and speech during a field test. When an attorney explains this clearly, the story shifts from guilt to human behavior under pressure. The right defense connects those reactions to emotion, not alcohol, helping the jury see the full picture.

Test Results Without Video Are Red Flags

Missing video footage can raise serious questions about what happened during a traffic stop. When there is no recording, the story depends only on the officer’s memory and notes. A DUI lawyer uses that gap to point out where details may be missing or unfairly described.

Jurors often expect clear proof when someone’s freedom is on the line. Without video, minor errors in observation can turn into major misunderstandings. A strong defense highlights those gaps and helps the jury see that unreliable evidence should never lead to a conviction.

It’s Time to Work With a DUI Lawyer in Troy, OH

Field sobriety tests aren’t always fair, and juries deserve to hear the full story behind the results. A strong defense can break down flawed evidence and highlight what really happened. Scott A. Kelly, Attorney at Law, knows how to challenge these tests and protect your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fail a field sobriety test even if I’m sober?

Yes, many sober drivers fail due to medical conditions, uneven pavement, or confusing instructions. These tests don’t always reflect actual impairment and can easily mislead officers and juries.

What if the officer didn’t explain the test clearly?

Poor or rushed instructions can lead to mistakes that are misinterpreted as signs of intoxication. A DUI lawyer can use that to challenge the validity of the test results in court.

Why is missing video footage a problem in DUI cases?

Without video, juries only get the officer’s version of what happened during the test. This makes it easier to raise doubt and harder for the prosecution to prove their case.