Maryland DUI One Leg Stand Test

If you’ve ever been pulled over in Maryland, you know how nerve wracking the experience can be. For most drivers, simply seeing the flashing blue lights appear in their rearview mirror is more than enough to induce a panic. However, if you are suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), a routine traffic stop quickly become terrifying—especially if the officer asks you to complete a Maryland DUI one leg stand test.

Like other field sobriety tests, the one leg stand test is designed to help law enforcement determine whether a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle is impaired. To perform the test, you must stand with one foot raised about six inches off the ground and count aloud until the officer instructs you to stop. Sounds easy enough, right? Well, think again.

When performing the walk and turn test, both of your arms must be placed by your side. You will also be instructed to keep your head down and look at your feet for the entire duration of the test—a requirement that is rather difficult even when you are sober. If you put your foot down, lose your balance, or fail to follow any of the officer’s instructions, you will most likely fail the test, and be charged with DUI as a result.

Because field sobriety exercises such as the one leg stand test are extremely subjective, their results cannot be used to indicate guilt. Instead, such evidence is typically used to prove that the officer had probable cause to arrest you for drunk driving.

If you were arrested for DUI after failing the one leg stand or another field sobriety test, it is important to discuss your test results with an experienced DUI defense attorney. Due to Maryland’s stringent sentencing guidelines, even a first-time offender may face a hefty fine and license suspension—and, in some cases, even jail time.

With so much at stake, it’s more important than ever to have legal representation if you are charged with driving under the influence in Maryland. The right defense strategy can be the difference between a guilty and a not guilty verdict in DUI court.

Bruce Robinson is available to answer your legal questions 24/7; simply call his office at (443) 524-7395. Also, you can download a free online copy of The Maryland DUI Fact Book here.