Orland Park Field Sobriety Tests Lawyer

Challenging Field Sobriety Tests in Orland Park, IL

Field sobriety tests are commonly used by law enforcement officers to determine whether a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, these tests are not always accurate, and they can lead to wrongful DUI arrests. If you were subjected to field sobriety tests in Orland Park, Cook County, or Will County and are now facing DUI charges, it is essential to consult with an experienced attorney who can help you challenge the validity of these tests. Issa Law, LLC is committed to defending your rights and ensuring that you receive a fair trial.

Understanding Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are physical and cognitive tests administered by police officers during traffic stops to assess a driver's impairment. The most common standardized field sobriety tests include:

• The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN): An officer may have asked you to follow a moving object, like their finger or a pen, with your eyes to detect involuntary eye movements (nystagmus) that may indicate intoxication.
• Walk-and-Turn You may have been instructed to walk heel-to-toe along a straight line, then turn and walk back to where you started. This test is meant to assess your balance, coordination, and how well you can follow instructions.
• One-Leg Stand You may have been instructed to stand still and raise one foot a few inches above the ground while counting aloud. This test is used to evaluate balance and focus.

While these tests are standardized, they are not foolproof. Many factors can affect your performance, such as medical conditions, fatigue, nervousness, uneven road surfaces, or even the weather. Understanding the limitations and flaws of these tests is critical to challenging the results in court.

The Limitations of Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests are often viewed as reliable indicators of impairment, but they are far from infallible. Some of the common issues with these tests include:

• Subjectivity: The results of field sobriety tests are largely dependent on the officer’s judgments. This can lead to bias or misinterpretation of your performance.
• Physical and Medical Conditions Certain medical factors, such as inner ear issues, injuries, or neurological disorders, can
• Environmental Factors Poor lighting, uneven pavement, inclement weather, and other environmental factors can negatively impact your performance, leading to inaccurate results.
• Nervousness and Anxiety: Being pulled over and asked to perform tests can cause anxiety, which can affect your responses to an officer’s instructions, regardless of whether you have consumed alcohol.

How Issa Law, LLC Can Help

If you are facing DUI charges after taking roadside sobriety tests, Issa Law, LLC can provide the aggressive defense you need. Attorney Kal Issa will investigate the circumstances surrounding your arrest and challenge the validity of the field sobriety tests that were administered. Our defense strategy may include:

• Examining the Test Conditions: We will review the conditions under which the tests were administered, including the environment, your health, and the officer’s instructions, to determine if they were fair and accurate.
• Challenging Officer Testimony: We will scrutinize the officer’s observations and challenge any inconsistencies or biases in their testimony.
• Presenting Alternative Explanations We will present evidence of medical conditions or other factors that could explain your performance on the tests, demonstrating that the results do not necessarily indicate impairment.

Are Field Sobriety Tests Mandatory in Illinois?

In Illinois, you are not legally required to submit to field sobriety tests. However, refusing to take them may still result in your arrest if the officer believes there is probable cause to charge you with DUI.

Can I Challenge the Results of Field Sobriety Tests in Court?

Yes, the results of field sobriety tests can be challenged in court. An experienced DUI attorney can argue that the tests were administered improperly, that they were affected by external factors, or that the results were misinterpreted.

What Happens if I Fail a Field Sobriety Test?

Failing a field sobriety test can lead to your arrest for DUI, but it does not guarantee a conviction. Your attorney can challenge the results and build a defense based on the specifics of your case.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me if I Failed a Field Sobriety Test?

Our lawyer can evaluate the circumstances of your case, challenge the validity of the test results, and identify any procedural errors made by law enforcement. This may lead to a reduction or dismissal of charges.

Contact Our Orland Park Field Sobriety Tests Attorney

Field sobriety tests are not always reliable, and a failed test does not automatically mean you will be found guilty of DUI. Issa Law, LLC is here to help you challenge the evidence in your DUI case and protect your rights. Contact us online or call 708-966-2408 to schedule a consultation with Attorney Kal Issa and discuss your defense options.