DWI Defense with Jack Rice: Protecting Your Rights in Stillwater and Washington County
Imagine this: it’s a chilly evening in Stillwater, and you’re pulled over on a quiet road, with the red and blue lights of a squad car flashing behind you. The officer asks you to perform a series of field sobriety tests—tasks you’ve never practiced, under stressful conditions. It’s an overwhelming situation that many people face in Stillwater and across Washington County every day. If you’ve been charged with DWI, having an experienced attorney like Jack Rice by your side is essential to protect your rights and your future.
“Don’t go into this blindly. The ramifications could last for years.”
The Realities of Field Sobriety Tests in Stillwater and Washington County
“Officers often expect flawless performance on field sobriety tests, even when conditions aren’t ideal.”
What Are Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST)?
Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) are a set of standardized exercises used by law enforcement in Stillwater and throughout Washington County to assess whether 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” they interpret as signs of impairment. However, it’s important to note that you are not legally required to take these tests before an arrest—you have the right to refuse.
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test
The HGN test involves following a moving stimulus, such as a pen or finger, with your eyes. The officer looks for involuntary jerking of your eyes (nystagmus), which can be a sign of impairment due to alcohol or drugs. However, nystagmus can also be caused by other factors, such as a head injury, certain medications, or even poor lighting, which are common in real-world situations.
The way the officer conducts the HGN test is critical. If the test is rushed or improperly performed, the results may be unreliable. At Jack Rice Defense, we thoroughly investigate how the HGN test was administered and look for any procedural mistakes that could challenge the evidence. While police may present this test as purely objective, it often contains subjective elements that can create reasonable doubt in your case.
Walk and Turn Test
In the Walk and Turn test, you’re asked to take nine heel-to-toe steps along an imaginary line, turn around, and walk back in the same manner. Any errors, such as stepping off the line, starting the test early, or using your arms for balance, are typically considered signs of impairment.
However, this test can be especially challenging in the unpredictable conditions of Stillwater and Washington County. Snow, ice, or uneven pavement can make it harder to maintain your balance, especially in the winter months. Additionally, people with physical limitations or injuries may find it difficult to perform well, even if they’re sober. If the test was conducted improperly or if your performance can be reasonably explained, your attorney can work to exclude this evidence from your case.
One Leg Stand Test
In the One Leg Stand test, you’re asked to raise one foot about six inches off the ground and hold it while counting aloud for 30 seconds. The officer is looking for signs of imbalance, such as swaying or hopping.
This test, like the others, can be particularly difficult for anyone with physical impairments or when performed in less-than-ideal conditions. Your attorney at Jack Rice Defense will carefully review any available footage, such as dashcam or bodycam recordings, to determine whether the officer’s evaluation was fair or overly critical. If the test wasn’t administered according to proper protocols, we may be able to have the results suppressed in court.
“Experience matters. In the courtroom, it may be the most important thing.”
Why Choose Jack Rice Defense?
With over 25 years of experience in criminal defense, Jack Rice Defense is committed to defending the rights of those charged with DWI in Stillwater and across Washington County. We specialize in reviewing field sobriety tests and analyzing police dashcam and bodycam footage to ensure that law enforcement follows National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) guidelines. We also take into account external factors, such as weather conditions or medical issues, that may have affected your performance on the tests.
If you’ve been charged with a DWI in Stillwater or any part of Washington County, don’t face the legal system alone. Contact Jack Rice Defense today for a free, confidential consultation. Call us at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339. Your reputation, freedom, and future are at stake, and you need an experienced advocate who will fight for you every step of the way.