Field Sobriety Tests in Cadiz

Understanding Field Sobriety Tests 

Ohio uses Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) to help determine whether a driver may be intoxicated. These tests, which are easy to administer, were studied extensively by the National Highway Safety Administration and standardized for law enforcement use, including police officers and highway patrol. Introduced in the 1970s and studied further in the 1980s, they remain a common tool in traffic stops.

Commonly Used Field Sobriety Tests  

Here are the typical field sobriety tests law enforcement may ask you to perform:

• Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test

 You may be asked to follow a pen or other object using only your eyes, without moving your head.

•  One-Legged Stand Test

 The officer asks you to stand on one leg, lifting the other foot roughly six inches off the ground. While doing so, you must count out loud for 30 seconds as timed by the officer.

• Walk and Turn Test

 The officer asks you to walk toe-to-heel along the white line on the road for a specific number of steps. After reaching the end, you will turn around carefully and walk back in the same manner.

Important Things to Remember About Field Sobriety Tests

• Even sober individuals, including those who are able-bodied, can struggle with these tests.
• People with disabilities, illnesses, injuries, or those who are overweight might appear impaired even if they are not.
• Road surfaces, particularly along the edges where these tests are commonly administered, are often uneven, making the tests more difficult.
• Police officers may not always administer these tests correctly.

Legal Note: You are not legally required to perform field sobriety tests in the state of Ohio. It is within your rights to refuse them.

If you’re unsure of your rights following a traffic stop, contact a trusted Cadiz OVI lawyer.

Chemical Testing in Ohio & Implied Consent

What Is Chemical Testing?

Chemical testing refers to procedures such as blood, breath, or urine tests conducted by law enforcement to detect if an individual is driving under the influence.

Understanding Implied Consent  

When you accept your Ohio driver’s license, you agree to implied consent. This means you have already provided your consent to undergo chemical testing (such as a breathalyzer test) when requested by law enforcement.

Breath Test During a Traffic Stop

If an officer suspects drunk driving, they may ask you to blow into a portable breathalyzer to estimate your blood alcohol level (BAC). This preliminary test often happens roadside, and you may or may not also be asked to perform field sobriety tests.

However, these portable breath tests are both unreliable and inaccurate, which is why prosecutors cannot use their results as evidence in court.

Take note that there are no legal consequences for refusing to perform a preliminary breathalyzer test or field sobriety tests. That said, refusal will not prevent an officer from arresting you if they believe you’re under the influence.

Refusing Chemical Testing and Its Consequences

When it comes to refusing chemical tests such as blood, breath, or urine samples, implied consent laws come into play.

• If you refuse a breath test, you may face both civil and criminal charges, including penalties beyond the charges for Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI).
• Refusing a blood test can lead to civil charges but avoids criminal implications.

If you’ve been arrested and subjected to a chemical test, reach out to a Cadiz criminal lawyer immediately.

Defend Your Rights With Qualified Representation

If you are facing charges related to drunk driving, it is essential to have experienced legal representation. The Youngstown Criminal Law Group specializes in OVI laws, defenses, and arrest procedures in Harrison County. With extensive training and hundreds of cases handled, our team is well-equipped to fight for you.

Why Choose Us?

• We bring determination and expertise to every case.
• Our proven track record includes reducing or dismissing charges for many clients.

For a free initial consultation, call (330) 992-3036 at any time—day or night.

Having the right legal team on your side can make all the difference. Choose a Cadiz criminal lawyerfrom our group to ensure your case gets the attention it deserves.