Ohio OVI Defense
Field Sobriety Tests in Ohio — Why They're Not as Reliable as You Think
Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are roadside exercises used by officers to establish probable cause for an OVI arrest. The three standardized tests — HGN, Walk-and-Turn, and One-Leg Stand — were designed under controlled conditions and have significant error rates in real-world application. An experienced OVI attorney can challenge how these tests were administered and scored.
HGN, Walk-and-Turn, One-Leg Stand
Standardized Tests
~77% (NHTSA)
HGN Accuracy
~68% (NHTSA)
Walk-and-Turn Accuracy
~65% (NHTSA)
One-Leg Stand Accuracy
Time is critical. Ohio's Administrative License Suspension (ALS) challenge window is only 30 days from your arrest date. Contact Rutan Law immediately to protect your driving privileges.
How Rutan Law Defends Your Case
Every OVI case is different. We identify the strongest defenses available and pursue them aggressively from day one.
Challenge HGN Administration
The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test requires precise stimulus movement speed and distance. Deviations from NHTSA protocol invalidate the results.
Environmental Conditions
Uneven pavement, poor lighting, traffic noise, and weather all affect FST performance. We document conditions at the arrest location.
Medical and Physical Conditions
Inner ear disorders, neurological conditions, back and leg injuries, and certain medications can cause FST failure unrelated to impairment.
Officer Training and Certification
Officers must be NHTSA-certified to administer standardized FSTs. We verify certification and challenge any deviations from the standardized protocol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often about this charge.
Ready to Fight Your Charge?
Failed a field sobriety test? That's not the end. Call Rutan Law at (614) 307-4343 — free consultation.