police stop

Unlike Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, Non-Standardized Field Sobriety Tests have not been deemed an accurate indicator of impairment or a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) greater than .08. The number and type of tests administered differs between states and police agencies. Performance of these tests provides the government more evidence and probable cause to make an arrest. There is no scientific correlation between “failure” and being impaired by alcohol and/or drugs.
At The Law Offices of Steven R. Adams, LLC, we believe it is essential for you to refuse to perform these tests:

  • Romberg balance test
  • Finger to nose test
  • Alphabet recitation
  • Backward number count
  • Portable breath test

Did the use of the following tests lead to your DUI / OVI charges?
Take immediate action and contact us by calling (513) 929-9333.

ROMBERG BALANCE TEST

An individual is instructed to stand with his or her feet together, head tilted back, and eyes closed. The officer will ask the individual to estimate the passing of 30 seconds while standing in this position. The suspect is instructed to lift his or her head and verbally acknowledge when the time has passed. This test is designed for the suspect to fail. For example, depending on how the suspect counts, the officer will determine the count was too slow or too fast and use this as an indicator of impairment. The officer also checks for movement while the individual performs the test and whether they are swaying while standing, which is a subjective observation.

FINGER TO NOSE TEST

The officer will instruct the suspect to touch a specific finger to his or her nose while standing with their head tilted back and their eyes closed. The officer is looking for an inability to follow directions and any movement during the test.

ALPHABET RECITATION

Officers should first check to ensure the suspect knows his or her alphabet. As obvious as it may seem, some people are unable to read or recite the alphabet. Once the determination has been made, the officer will provide instructions to start reciting and finish reciting with specific letters.

The officer is checking for many factors, including:

  • Slurred speech
  • “Singing” the alphabet
  • Reciting the wrong letters
  • An inability to follow directions

BACKWARD NUMBER COUNT

As with the alphabet recitation, the officer must ensure the suspect has the ability to count properly. Instructions are provided to start counting backwards with a specific number and to finish counting with a specific number. The officer is checking for slurred speech, reciting the wrong numbers, and an inability to follow directions.

PORTABLE BREATH TEST

These machines, which are usually carried in police cruisers, are not regulated by the Ohio Department of Health and the results are considered inadmissible in court. However, police officers frequently use this as the first field sobriety. People may be told the result cannot be used in court, but are tricked into believing they will be able to drive home if they test under the legal limit on the machine, which is not always the case.

Even though these breath test machines have consistently been ruled unreliable, they can be used to establish probable cause for an arrest. In order to make sure the result is known in court, officers hold the result screen in front of their cruiser cameras to make sure the result is viewed on the videotape from the arrest or they include the result in their written report. Always refuse to take this test.

Are you or someone you know facing DUI / OVI charges? 

If you are facing DUI charges, you need to speak with an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible. The Law Offices of Steven R. Adams is recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, The Best Lawyers in America, National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and is one of U.S. News' Best Law Firms.  Please contact us online or call our Cincinnati office directly at 513-929-9333 to schedule your free consultation. 

Call The Law Offices of Steven R. Adams, LLC today and let us work to defend you.

Steven R. Adams
Steven R. Adams was a criminal defense lawyer dedicated to DUI, OVI, and criminal defense in Cincinnati, Ohio.