DWI Defense with Jack Rice Defense: Protecting Your Rights in the Twin Cities
Picture this: it's a cold evening in the Twin Cities. You're pulled over on a busy road, with the flashing lights of a squad car illuminating the snow-covered streets. The officer instructs you to perform a series of field sobriety tests—tasks you’ve never practiced, all while the pressure of the moment builds. It’s an uncomfortable, high-stress situation that happens to Minnesotans across the Twin Cities every day. If you’ve been charged with DWI, it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney like Jack Rice or Jack Rice Defense on your side to help you navigate these challenges.
The Challenges of Field Sobriety Tests in the Twin Cities
“Police officers often expect flawless performance on field sobriety tests, even under less-than-ideal conditions.”
What Are Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST)?
Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) are a set of three standard assessments used by police officers in the Twin Cities to determine if a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs. These tests include the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), the Walk and Turn test, and the One Leg Stand test. Officers look for specific "clues" to evaluate impairment. However, it’s important to understand that you are not required to take these tests before being arrested—you have the right to refuse.
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test
In the HGN test, the officer asks you to follow a stimulus, like a pen or finger, with your eyes. They’re looking for involuntary eye jerking, known as "nystagmus," which can occur due to alcohol or drugs. However, nystagmus is an involuntary reflex and can also be caused by other factors, like a head injury, certain medications, or poor lighting.
The way the officer conducts the HGN test is crucial. If the officer performs it too quickly or incorrectly, the results could be invalid. At Jack Rice Defense, we examine how the test was carried out and search for any errors that might weaken the evidence against you. While law enforcement may claim the test is objective, it’s often more subjective than they suggest, and mistakes in its administration can create reasonable doubt.
Walk and Turn Test
The Walk and Turn test requires you to take nine heel-to-toe steps along an imaginary line, turn around, and walk back the same way. Any missteps—like starting early, stepping off the line, or using your arms for balance—may be interpreted as signs of impairment.
However, this test can be difficult in the harsh winter conditions of the Twin Cities. Snow, ice, and slippery sidewalks can make it challenging to perform. Additionally, people with physical limitations may struggle with the test even if they’re sober. If the test wasn’t administered correctly or if the officer's observations are flawed, your attorney can challenge the results and work to exclude them from your case.
One Leg Stand Test
In the One Leg Stand test, you’re asked to lift one foot off the ground about six inches and hold it while counting aloud for 30 seconds. The officer observes for signs of imbalance, such as swaying or hopping.
Like the Walk and Turn test, this one can be difficult for anyone, particularly those with physical disabilities or when performing the test in less-than-ideal conditions. A skilled attorney will carefully review the arrest footage to assess whether the officer’s evaluation was reasonable or overly harsh. If the test wasn’t conducted according to protocol, the results could be excluded from your case, potentially weakening the prosecution’s argument.
“Sometimes, getting the problem behind you is the end goal.”
Why Choose Jack Rice Defense?
With more than 25 years of experience, Jack Rice Defense has a deep understanding of how field sobriety tests should be conducted in the Twin Cities. We specialize in analyzing police dashcam and bodycam footage to ensure officers follow National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) guidelines. We also account for factors like weather conditions or physical limitations that may have affected your performance. Our goal is to challenge any unlawful evidence and protect your rights.
If you’re facing DWI charges in the Twin Cities, don’t navigate this process alone. Contact Jack Rice Defense today for a free, confidential consultation. Call us at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339. When your reputation, career, and freedom are on the line, trust Jack Rice Defense to provide the experienced representation you need.