Field Tests vs Chemical Tests: Comparing Reliability
If we consider the facts about Field Test vs Chemical Test. Knowledgeable Orange County DUI lawyers will tell you that a reliable blood alcohol test is probably the best indicator of potential driving impairment. When taking into consideration the reliability of a field test versus a chemical test, experts have found that field tests are usually far less reliable than chemical tests.
In general, chemical tests can correctly and objectively figure out one’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) within the margin of error of the testing technique and instruments. It is from this analysis that a judgment can be made with respect to one’s driving impairment based on scientific studies.
On the other hand, non-chemical field sobriety tests are not nearly as reliable, and they are often a poor gauge of one’s driving impairment or sobriety. A primary reason for this is the fact that the arresting officer does not know how the suspect would normally perform on the test.
Field sobriety tests, however, are still utilized as tools to assist a police officer with developing probable cause for an arrest or stop, to help to establish potential mental or physical impairments at the time the individual was driving (or a time shortly thereafter), and to set up a general causal relationship between one’s driving behaviors and alcohol.
Orange County DUI lawyers should also inform you that there are a wide selection of field sobriety tests that are used by law enforcement. Some examples of field sobriety tests are: the HGN test; the finger-to-nose test; the finger count test; counting backwards from 100; the Romberg balance test; saying or writing the alphabet (along with your signature, date and time); a one-leg stand; the line walk; the hand pat; picking up coins; a pen and paper exercise; and standing heel to toe.
If you have been subjected to any one of the above-mentioned field sobriety tests, or any other field test, you may want to consider reaching out to learned Orange County DUI lawyers to assist you with your case. If you believe that you would benefit from the services of an experienced Orange County DUI attorney, please do not hesitate to call Mike Coffey for a free consultation.
