Massachusetts Lawyer Defending You Against Field Sobriety Test Errors
In Massachusetts, there are very specific laws about what police officers can and cannot do when they administer field sobriety tests. As an experienced criminal defense lawyer — Steven W. Panagiotes, Attorney at Law — I have taken seminars and have even trained police officers on how to do these field sobriety tests, so I know that aspect of an OUI arrest inside and out.
At my Fitchburg law office I represent people throughout Massachusetts who have been arrested for drunk driving. When I take their cases, I explore every detail. Often this means examining the validity and propriety of any field sobriety tests that were administered at the scene.
There are certain tests that Massachusetts police officers typically administer in the field when OUI is suspected. These include:
- The heel-to-toe walk and turn — this must be a real line on the pavement, typically the fog line on the side of the road, and not an imaginary line
- Standing on one leg. This one is often questioned by attorneys because of the fact that it is hard to link the ability to stand on one leg directly to your ability to react quickly and drive your car. Some people, by nature, have terrible balance when completely sober; these people will likely fail this part of the test.
- Reciting the alphabet forward and/or backward. This test can be impossible or nearly impossible for people who are not native English speakers. Even people who speak English as a second language might falter when trying to recite the English alphabet backwards - even if they are completely sober and have not had a drop of alcohol.
Fighting Improperly Administered Field Sobriety Tests and Taking Cases to Trial
I believe that, if your future depends on a finding of not guilty, you need a lawyer who will truly advocate for you. I am in the business of being a criminal defense attorney to take cases to trial — not to give up on my clients. That is why I plead out few cases and only in certain, specific situations — if I cannot have the charges reduced or dropped altogether, then, based on the evidence against you, a plea may be in your best interests.
To talk with me about the field sobriety tests that you performed, contact Steven W. Panagiotes, Attorney at Law, by calling me at 978-342-4444 or sending me an e-mail to schedule a confidential consultation about your DUI or OUI offense.
