Are Standardized Field Sobriety Tests Reliable?

It is not uncommon for a motorist whose faculties are not materially and appreciably impaired to exhibit the same clues police use to identify impaired drivers. The physiological response to being pulled over by police often activates the sympathetic nervous system triggering acute stress responses that mimic signs of impairment. The experiments used in the development of standardized field sobriety tests were performed in a lab omitting the fear of life-altering penalties as a consequence of failure. If driving privileges are suspended for refusing to submit a breath, blood, or urine sample for chemical testing or for registering an alcohol concentration of .15 or higher there are important filing deadlines that if missed will disqualify eligibility for the temporary restoration of driving privileges pending a contested case hearing in the South Carolina Administrative Law Court. To learn more about the flawed science behind standardized field sobriety tests call Clemson DUI Attorney Travis Newton for a free consultation.

What is an Ignition Interlock Device?

South Carolina’s Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program is managed by the Department of Probation, Pardon, and Parole. The interlock consists of a relay module that is wired into the vehicle ignition system. The device draws a portion of the motorist's breath sample into a fuel cell sensor. The presence of alcohol in the sensor chamber causes the fuel cell to output an increased electrical current which is measured and then translated into an equivalent blood alcohol concentration. If the result of the test is below an alcohol concentration of .02 an encrypted signal is sent to the relay allowing the vehicle engine to start. If the test result is above .02 the vehicle’s ignition system will remain locked. When the device is unlocked the IID is designed not to interfere with the normal operation of a vehicle so while the device can prevent a vehicle from starting, it will not shut down a running vehicle.

Clemson DUI Attorney Travis Newton can answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a free initial consultation. Travis Newton and the staff at Travis Newton Law P.A. keep clients well-informed of important legal deadlines, court appearances, and matters concerning the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. Travis Newton is Lead Counsel Verified by Thomson Reuters for DUI Defense since 2015 and is a founding member of the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys. Attorney Newton defends clients charged with driving under the influence in Clemson Summary Courts including the City of Clemson Municipal Court, Clemson University Municipal Court, and the Pickens County Court of General Sessions. There are important filing deadlines for challenging suspended driving privileges from an implied consent violation so do not wait to contact a Clemson DUI Lawyer.