Understanding Field Sobriety Tests in South Carolina DUI Cases

Police in Gaffney typically rely on field sobriety tests during DUI stops. These are roadside exercises, such as walking a straight line, standing on one leg, and following a penlight, that officers use to decide whether to arrest you. While the state treats these tests as essential, the truth is they’re not always accurate.

At Parker and Bain, our seasoned Gaffney DUI defense attorneys can challenge them by exposing their flaws, the officer’s mistakes, and outside factors like weather or medical conditions.

What FSTs Measure and Where They Fall Short

The three “standardized” tests endorsed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are:

• Walk-and-Turn Test – You’ll be asked to walk heel-to-toe in a straight line, turn, and walk back
• One-Leg Stand Test – You must balance on one leg while counting aloud
• Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test – You must follow an object with your eyes while the officer looks for involuntary jerking

On paper, these tests are designed to measure coordination and divided attention. They’re susceptible to conditions beyond alcohol use. Uneven pavement along Highway 11, flashing lights near the I-85 exit, or even just being nervous in front of an officer can make you fail. Likewise, even under controlled conditions, officers can and do make mistakes. Add in bad weather or poor instructions, and the margin for error only grows.

The problem is that prosecutors love to point to these tests as scientific. However, that’s misleading. Unlike breath tests or blood draws, field sobriety tests are subjective. Your performance depends as much on the officer’s interpretation as on your actual coordination. What if the officer didn’t give clear instructions or miscounted clues? Likewise, a driver with bad knees, vertigo, or even stiff boots could stumble and look impaired even when they’re perfectly sober.

Experienced DUI Defense Lawyers in Gaffney Know Exactly How to Challenge FSTs

A defense lawyer doesn’t just accept the officer’s word. They scrutinize the details of the DUI stop:

• Did the officer demonstrate the test correctly, or rush through the instructions?
• Was the test administered on uneven pavement?
• Did traffic, headlights, or sirens make concentration impossible?
• Were there any medical conditions, such as diabetes or past injuries?

By pressing these questions, your attorney can show that the test results are unreliable. In some cases, this undermines the entire DUI charge. Put simply, your Gaffney DUI defense lawyer brings context that the officer leaves out. They’ll question whether roadside conditions, fatigue, or nerves were mistaken for intoxication. They’ll also review dashcam or bodycam footage to show the jury what really happened.

In Gaffney, where DUI stops are common along I-85 and near Limestone University, knowing how to dismantle weak evidence can mean the difference between a conviction and a second chance. You can trust your Gaffney DUI defense attorney to hold the prosecution to its burden of proof instead of letting a subjective roadside test decide your future.

Seek Legal Guidance from Our DUI Defense Lawyers

If you’ve been charged with DUI after a roadside test in Gaffney, don’t assume the case against you is airtight. Connect with Parker and Bain to get started on your defense right away. Remember, field sobriety tests are flawed, and our Gaffney DUI defense attorneys can turn them against the prosecution. To arrange your confidential case review, dial 864-252-2650 or send an online message.