Blood and Breath Tests in Carrollton

When you’re pulled over and suspected of driving under the influence, police officers will almost always request that you take one or more OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) tests. These tests are a standard procedure aimed at determining whether drugs or alcohol impaired your ability to drive. Test results often serve as the foundation for most OVI charges.

There are four main types of sobriety tests law enforcement uses to assess intoxication levels:

• Field sobriety tests conducted roadside
• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Breath tests

What many don’t realize is that these tests can provide inaccurate results. They may indicate impairment even when you’re sober—or fail to do so when you’re not. If a test falsely identifies you as intoxicated, it could lead to an unjust arrest. However, an experienced Carrollton OVI lawyer at Youngstown Criminal Law Group knows how to carefully evaluate test results, examine the administration process, and identify errors that could lead to reduced or dismissed charges.

Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests are conducted along the roadside and are designed to scrutinize your balance, coordination, and responsiveness to decide if you could be under the influence. These tests follow standards outlined by the National Highway Safety Administration (NHSA) and are used across all 50 states.

Common Field Sobriety Tests

1. Walk and Turn Test

This test requires you to walk in a straight line, heel-to-toe, counting your steps as you go. You must do this without losing your balance, stumbling, or failing to follow instructions precisely. If you lose count or use your arms for balance, an officer may deem you intoxicated.

2. One Leg Stand Test

Standing with your feet together, you’re instructed to lift one foot and balance on the other while counting aloud for 30 seconds. If you hop, lower your foot, or struggle to maintain balance, the officer may find you impaired.

3. Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test

Here, you’ll be asked to track a pen, flashlight, or the officer’s finger with your eyes—without moving your head. The officer looks for jerkiness or involuntary eye movements, which could indicate alcohol or drug consumption.

Issues with Field Sobriety Tests

While these tests sound straightforward, many external and physical factors can influence their accuracy:

• Road Conditions: Tests are performed on the roadside, often in the dark, amidst traffic, or in poor weather. Uneven or sloped road surfaces, such as those commonly found across Carroll County, can make balance more difficult.
• Medical Factors: Age, weight, and medical conditions significantly impact test performance. Conditions like vertigo or the side effects of legal prescription medications can create difficulties, even when you’re entirely sober.
• Officer Training: The effectiveness of these tests also depends on the officer’s training. Improperly trained officers can misinterpret the results, leading to flawed conclusions.

A skilled Carrollton criminal lawyer, like Sean Logue of Youngstown Criminal Law Group, has over a decade of experience defending clients against OVI charges. Sean meticulously investigates the execution and results of field sobriety tests to identify potential errors that could help in your case.

Blood, Breath, and Urine Tests

Ohio, like many other states, enforces an “implied consent” rule. By obtaining a driver’s license, you agree to submit to chemical OVI testing if requested by law enforcement. These chemical tests—blood, breath, and urine—are critical tools to detect alcohol or drug levels in your system. These are frequently administered at local police stations, state trooper barracks, or hospitals.

Types of Chemical Tests

• Blood Tests

Blood tests involve drawing a sample to measure the alcohol or drug content precisely. However, improper storage or contamination can lead to incorrect results.

• Breath Tests

Perhaps the most commonly used, these tests measure alcohol content in your breath. Devices like breathalyzers must be calibrated frequently to ensure accurate readings.

• Urine Tests

This method determines whether drugs or alcohol have been consumed recently. While often effective, it is not without its flaws, particularly for detecting alcohol as time passes.

Refusing Chemical Testing

You are legally allowed to refuse any of these tests. However, doing so automatically results in the suspension of your driver’s license. This loss can be especially devastating and complicates your ability to fight an OVI charge.

If you are asked to submit to field sobriety or chemical tests in Carroll County to determine if you were intoxicated behind the wheel, contact Youngstown Criminal Law Group immediately. A seasoned Carrollton OVI lawyer from our team can help protect your rights and explore potential defenses.

Trust Youngstown Criminal Law Group

Defending against OVI charges requires a comprehensive understanding of the testing methods, the factors influencing their accuracy, and the ways they can be challenged. Our experienced team has successfully handled countless cases in Carroll County and beyond.

Don’t leave your future to chance. Reach out to (330) 992-3036 Youngstown Criminal Law Group to ensure you have a highly skilled Carrollton criminal lawyer advocating for you every step of the way.