Field Sobriety Tests in Youngstown

In Ohio, law enforcement uses Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) to gauge whether a driver might be under the influence. SFSTs are a set of straightforward evaluations that were researched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and established as a standard procedure for police officers and highway patrol units. These initial assessments were first rolled out in the 1970s and underwent further study throughout the 1980s.

Below is a breakdown of the Field Sobriety Tests most frequently utilized by officers:

• Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test: During this evaluation, the officer will instruct you to track the movement of a stimulus, like a pen or small light, using only your eyes while keeping your head still.
• One-Legged Stand Test: For this test, the officer will ask you to stand on one leg, raising the other foot approximately six inches off the ground. You will then need to count aloud. The officer times this action for 30 seconds to observe if you can maintain balance and count accurately.
• Walk-and-Turn Test: This involves walking heel-to-toe along a straight line—often the white line on the road—for a specific number of steps, then turning around and walking back in the same manner.

It is crucial to understand that Field Sobriety Tests can be challenging even for sober, able-bodied individuals. Factors such as physical disabilities, injuries, illnesses, or being overweight can hinder a person’s ability to perform these tests successfully, potentially making them appear impaired when they are not. Additionally, road conditions—particularly near the shoulder where the white line is located—are rarely perfectly smooth. Furthermore, officers do not always administer these tests according to the strict standardized guidelines.

Legally, you are not obligated to participate in these field assessments. If you choose, you have the right to politely decline them. If you find yourself in this situation, consulting a Youngstown criminal lawyer can help clarify your rights regarding refusal.

Chemical Testing in Ohio and Implied Consent

The phrase “chemical testing” encompasses any analysis of blood, breath, or urine conducted by law enforcement officials to ascertain if a driver is operating a vehicle under the influence.

“Implied consent” refers to the agreement you effectively made when you signed for and accepted your driver’s license. By doing so, you consented to submit to chemical testing if lawfully requested by police.

During a traffic stop where an officer suspects drunk driving, they may frequently ask you to blow into a portable device to estimate your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). This device is known variously as a preliminary breath test (PBT), a roadside breath test, or simply a breathalyzer. An officer might request this breath test regardless of whether you have been asked to perform field sobriety tests.

If the breathalyzer results suggest intoxication—meaning your BAC exceeds the legal limit—you will likely be arrested for Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI). However, it is important to note that these portable handheld devices are notoriously inaccurate and unreliable. Consequently, their results are generally inadmissible as evidence for the prosecutor in court.

Refusing a portable roadside breathalyzer test typically carries no direct legal penalties, much like refusing field sobriety tests. However, declining these tests does not prevent an officer from arresting you if other observations lead them to believe you are impaired. If you are facing such circumstances, a Youngstown DUI attorney can provide essential guidance on how to proceed.

The legal repercussions for refusal apply specifically when you decline an official chemical test of your blood, breath, or urine after an arrest. This is where implied consent laws are triggered. While you can still refuse, doing so invites additional penalties. For instance, refusing a post-arrest breath test can result in both civil and criminal charges in addition to the underlying OVI charge. Refusing a blood test generally leads to civil penalties (license suspension) but typically avoids additional criminal charges for the refusal itself.

If you have been arrested for drunk driving and provided a sample of your blood, urine, or breath to the police, you should contact the Youngstown DUI attorney immediately.

Sean Logue and the team at Youngstown Criminal Law Group are legal professionals who have undergone extensive training regarding OVI laws, defense strategies, and proper arrest protocols. They have successfully managed hundreds of cases, applying their dedication and tenacity to every client, often securing reduced charges or complete dismissals. If you need a Youngstown criminal lawyer, their experience can be invaluable to your defense.

For a complimentary initial consultation, please call 412.387.6901 at any time, day or night.