A DUI stop often moves quickly. An officer may form a theory early and then interpret everything through that lens. When alcohol or drugs are suspected, small missteps can carry real weight later. An ARIDE-certified DUI lawyer looks closely at how the investigation unfolded, not just what was alleged. That focus can matter because DUI cases often hinge on procedure, not assumptions.
Mistake one: Improper administration of field sobriety tests
Even when done perfectly, studies show that the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test is only about 77% accurate, the walk-and-turn about 68% and the one-leg stand about 65%. That’s why following the standard guidelines is crucial.
Now, deviating from the steps, giving unclear instructions or skipping demonstrations can reduce reliability and affect how a person performs.
Conditions also play a role. Conducting tests on sloped pavement or in poor lighting can influence balance and eye movement. Highlighting these factors can show that results may reflect the environment or testing errors rather than actual impairment.
Mistake two: Drawing conclusions before completing the investigation
Some DUI cases show signs of early bias. Locking onto impairment before finishing the investigation can shape later observations. That can include interpreting normal behavior as suspicious or overlooking alternative explanations.
Identifying this pattern can raise concerns about whether conclusions were based on facts or on expectations formed too soon.
Mistake three: Misapplying ARIDE drug impairment indicators
ARIDE training requires careful separation of drug categories and symptoms. Errors often appear when observations do not match the claimed drug type. Reviewing the investigation may reveal issues such as:
- Confusing medical conditions with drug-related signs
- Mixing indicators from different drug categories
- Relying on assumptions instead of documented observations
Pointing out these inconsistencies can help show that drug impairment conclusions lacked proper support.
Where details start to matter
DUI cases build step by step. Reviewing how officers gave tests and formed judgments can change the direction of a case. Careful review by an ARIDE-certified DUI lawyer can surface issues that are easy to miss but hard to ignore. For you, that can mean a clearer view of what truly supports the charges and what does not.