Our Virtual Practice Option Provides Secure Web-Based Legal Services.
As Seen On:

Field Sobriety Tests

About Field Sobriety Tests

On the side of the road during a DWI stop, it can be difficult for a police officer or state trooper to make an accurate determination of whether the suspect is truly intoxicated and unable to drive safely. Many of these pullovers are made based on the officer’s observation that the driver has been swerving, speeding or exhibiting other behavior that could indicate drunk driving. While law enforcement officials are trained to make judgments on this in the field, it is still the individual officer’s opinion which leads to the stop. In an effort to reduce the effect of opinion on DWI arrests, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) developed a battery of three tests, the Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST), which provides a significant improvement in the objectivity of roadside testing.

Unfortunately, these tests, the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, the Walk-and-Turn and the One-Leg Stand, still do not measure with total accuracy whether a suspect has a blood alcohol content above .08%. They are rule-of-thumb tests and many innocent people are arrested and convicted of DWI in North Carolina every year. If the case against you depends on field sobriety tests, it may be possible to challenge the evidence with the help of an experienced Charlotte criminal defense lawyer.

Charlotte Criminal Defense Attorney Serving Mecklenburg, Union and Gason Counties

Attorney Carnell Johnson takes in representing people in our community who need legal help. There are many conditions which weaken the validity of a field sobriety test, such as inappropriate footwear, bad weather or even the nervousness of the suspect. In our legal system, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty and if it is possible to suppress the evidence against you based on the grounds of inaccuracy, you can improve your chances of avoiding a conviction significantly. When you meet with me, I will help you gather any relevant information that can aid in your defense and brief you on a strategy for winning your case.  Contact a Charlotte criminal defense lawyer who can help you attack the evidence produced by field sobriety tests in your DWI case.

Success Stories

“Carnell was patient and efficient. He made me feel like he cared, and most importantly, got the job done!”

- J.D.
More Testimonials

“I endorse this lawyer’s work. Anytime I get a call of one needing representation or if a client has a DUI/DWI issue, I refer them to Carnell. He’s thorough, precise, knowledgeable and touch. I encourage you to call him for a consultation.”

- G.H.
More Testimonials

“Carnell is a fine attorney who is very diligent in handling cases for his client. I highly recommend him.”

- E.M.
More Testimonials
Our Process Is Simple & Easy to Understand
Ready for a Consultation?

Are you ready to meet with an attorney? The team at Johnson & Nicholson looks forward to helping you. Our areas of practice cover a wide variety, and we have years of experience.

Schedule a Consultation