Field Sobriety Test Attorney in Springfield

Attorney Assistance in Springfield for DUI

You may have been stopped and given a Field Sobriety Test by a police officer but did you know that you don't have to take these tests?  You cannot be ticketed for refusing to take them.  Regardless, there are various tests that law enforcement does conduct on you in the field for drunk driving.  Several of them are not considered to be scientifically validated, and can be easily challenged in court.  One such is having to recite the alphabet. 

Apart from which type is given, there are still very stringent policies police officers must follow during these procedures.  Violation of following these procedures, in addition to the fact they are not considered to be scientifically verified, can disqualify using that test against you in a court of law.  There are various field sobriety tests that are considered scientifically validated which are being conducted in Springfield. If conducted properly, these can be used to accurately judge blood alcohol level.  They are:

• Walk and Turn Test
  This test has a 68% reliability of accurately predicting a person's BAC level to be .08% or greater if you are instructed properly on how to do it. Since it is crucial that proper instructions be given to you for the test to be reliable, this opens the door to challenges.
  
• One Leg Stand Test
  Also called the one legged stand, this test, if conducted properly, has a 65% reliability of predicting that a person's BAC is 0.08% or greater.  But once again, the proper instructions must be given to you for the test to be reliable.  An officer is required to show you how to do the test properly before administering it on you.
  
• HGN Test
  Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus was previously considered scientifically validated; it has now been excluded by the courts in Massachusetts as being "non-scientific".  It can no longer be used as proof that you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs. but can still be used by officers.  The validity and reliability of this test should still be challenged.

Many procedural errors can occur when Police Officers administer these tests, causing results to be inaccurate.  To make certain your rights are covered, it is highly recommended you obtain the services of Irwin Pollack, a practiced Springfield DUI attorney.

Springfield Attorney handling DUI Cases

Contact us today to set-up a FREE Evaluation at (800) 583-3845 to learn about how we can provide you with competent legal defense in any DUI case that includes field sobriety tests as evidence. 

Our DUI Defense Attorneys look diligently at each technical part of your case in order to ensure that law enforcement officers follow the law and required procedures.  We answer our phones and return calls 24/7 - we even meet clients on Sundays!

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When it comes to litigating field sobriety cases, our attorneys vigorously and tirelessly fight for clients, both in the District Court and at the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). Our motto of "All Cases, All Hours, All Courts" explains our determination, drive, and accountability in obtaining the best possible result for our clients.  Learn more about Massachusetts DUI laws in our FAQ Section, and then call (800) 583-3845 for a FREE Case Evaluation or contact us online.