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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Reviews & Testimonials
At The Meranda Law Firm LTD, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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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.- Andrew
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We are very appreciative of the efforts put forth by Zach Meranda. The outcome was positive and he made us feel secure in an out of control situation. Felt glad to have him defending us and having his common sense approach to our case. We would recommend his services to anyone in need.- Anonymous
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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.- Payton R
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I have nothing but good things to say about Meranda Law Firm, more so Zack. He was a very professional attorney. Made sure that I knew what was going on and that I understood everything. He seemed to be very involved in the case doing what he could to get the best results. Most importantly Zach always made me feel comfortable and was very good about communicating with me. I would recommend The Meranda Law Firm to anyone needing legal advice or any legal help.- Alexandria Trejo
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I am very happy with The Meranda Law Firm. I hired Mr. Meranda to help me with a case and i am very pleased with the outcome. I would recommend him to everybody he's a very good lawyer.- Kristina Poulton
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He is a very good lawyer and always knows what he is talking about. He knows his stuff and no matter how bad the crime is he will get you out of it and he will always give you his all.- Jenna Taynor
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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.- Rod
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A criminal case can be very stressful. The Meranda Law Firm can help you with this process. Zack is there to make sure that you get the best personal one on one help you can get. So you don't get pushed around in the system. Takes all the worry out of your case. Very down to earth guy. Easy to talk too. Without Zack I don't know where I would be right now. Thanks Zack; can't tell you how much I appreciate the help you gave me. If you are looking for a lawyer that can take the stress out of your case Zack is your guy- Jeff w
Have Questions?
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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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What important legal rights am I entitled to?If you find yourself crossways with the law, you have important rights that must be protected. First, you have the right to be informed of your rights by police should you be arrested. You have the right to remain silent, which can help you avoid self-incrimination. You also have the right to avoid subjection to an unreasonable search and seizure. Perhaps most importantly is your right to an attorney, and should you face criminal investigation or arrest, you should be in immediate contact with a Columbus criminal defense attorney for knowledgeable and skilled legal counsel.
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Why should I hire a criminal defense attorney?When you are facing a criminal charge, whether a misdemeanor or a felony, your future stands at serious risk. Not only do you face the prospect of jail time, fines, and probation, but if you are convicted you will also carry with you a permanent criminal record that can make such things as obtaining employment, educational opportunities and housing problematic. A lawyer can make sure that your legal rights are well-protected and that a strong defense is mounted on your behalf. Going it alone in the criminal justice system can put you in peril of many unwanted consequences.
