HORIZONTAL GAZE NYSTAGMUS TEST

This test involves the police officer moving a small object from side to side to check your ability to follow the object without “jerking” your eyes.

The assumption is that the higher your blood alcohol content, or the more intoxicated you are, the more likely your eyes will not be able to follow the object in a smooth line.

Of course involuntary jerking of the eyes occurs in every person. Perhaps magnified when alcohol and drugs are present, there are a number of other reasons for involuntary eye movement, including nervousness at getting pulled over, and taking sobriety tests on the side of a busy road that could determine whether or not you go to jail.

Note that the studies for tests published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have never been confirmed, and third party attempts to duplicate their results have been unsuccessful.

Simply because the HGN (Eye) test is standardized or "approved", does not mean its results will always hold up in a court of law.

In the event that you attempted any of the field sobriety tests, a skilled and experienced Seattle DUI lawyer will give you the best chance at getting the results of these unreliable tests thrown out.

If you have failed any field sobriety test, contact a Seattle DUI lawyer today to begin work on your DUI defense.

For more information about Bradley Johnson Attorneys, or to contact us about your case, click here.