These tests, unlike Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, have not been deemed an accurate indicator of impairment or a Blood Alcohol Concentration 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. It is essential for you to refuse to perform these tests!
Rhomberg 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 passage 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.
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 Recite
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 a determination has been made, the Officer while 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, and an inability to follow directions.
Backward Number Count
As with the Alphabet Recite, 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 Test and make a determination on arrest after viewing the results of the test. 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. This is not the case!! Even though these breath test devices have consistently been ruled unreliable, they are 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.
Even though Non Standardized Field Sobriety Tests are not reliable indicators of impairment, the results provide additional probable cause for an arrest and will be used in Court. It is important to have an aggressive and experienced OVI or DUI lawyer on your side. Call The Law Office of Steven R. Adams today and let us work to defend you.
