Navigating DUI Charges in the 58th District Court, Ottawa County

When facing DUI charges in Ottawa County, understanding the process, especially in regards to field sobriety tests, can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Serving the communities of Grand Haven, Holland, Hudsonville, and Zeeland, the 58th District Court and its honorable judges, Bradley S. Knoll, Juanita F. Bocanegra, Craig E. Bunce, and Judith K. Mulder, are committed to ensuring justice prevails.

Understanding Field Sobriety Tests
In the perfect scenario, defendants should ideally decline any field sobriety tests, as any perceived errors in performance can be construed as signs of intoxication. These tests are designed to collect evidence of intoxication, not to aid a defendant's drunk driving defense. In fact, even slight deviations from the instructions can be misconstrued as a failure of the test.

In their argument, the prosecution often points to the "totality of the circumstances," insinuating that any mistake on these tests indicates intoxication. As defense attorneys, it becomes critical to highlight positive test results and challenge any insinuations of intoxication made by the prosecution.

Field Sobriety Tests in Michigan
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has sanctioned only three field sobriety tests. However, in Michigan, including the communities served by the 58th District Court, police officers often stray from these approved tests. Defendants are frequently asked to perform tasks like singing the alphabet, counting backwards, or estimating time, all of which are not approved by the NHTSA.

In such cases, it is the role of the defense to challenge the officer's departure from the rules, highlighting their attempts to trap the defendant by not playing by the rules. If an officer cannot adhere to their own protocol regarding field sobriety tests, it raises valid questions about their overall adherence to correct procedure.

The Three Approved Sobriety Tests
The NHTSA manual endorses three field sobriety tests: The Walk and Turn Test, the One-legged Stand, and the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus.

Walk and Turn Test: This test demands the defendant to walk heel-to-toe in a straight line and then turn. It's notoriously easy to fail, as most sober people cannot comply 100% with its requirements. However, failing this test does not necessarily equate to intoxication, and the results should be thoroughly examined in court.

One-legged Stand: This test requires the defendant to stand on one leg, raised about six inches off the ground for approximately 30 seconds. The test, however, does not account for physical conditions or age, making the results unreliable and open to challenge.

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus: This test checks for involuntary eye jerking, which is supposed to indicate the presence of alcohol in the system. However, due to its highly subjective nature and the minimal training officers receive to administer it, this test's results are often disputed in court.

The Preliminary Breath Test (PBT)
The Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) is another critical aspect of a DUI charge. This test, usually the first BAC reading in a drunk driving case, is offered by officers to justify an arrest. However, misunderstanding the consequences of declining the test is common, often leading defendants to inadvertently harm their case.

In most cases, taking the PBT could harm the defendant's case, especially if they blow over the limit. Without the test, the officer must rely on subjective observations. If the defendant declines field sobriety tests, the officer's justification for the arrest may be thin, giving the defense an opportunity to challenge it.

​​Nonetheless, if a PBT is administered, the defendant's lawyer must decide whether the PBT results would benefit the case or if they should be excluded. The primary goal is to use these results strategically and to the defendant's advantage.

Conclusion
Facing DUI charges in the 58th District Court of Ottawa County can be overwhelming, but comprehending the role and implications of sobriety tests can significantly bolster a defendant's defense strategy. It's vital for defendants and their attorneys to challenge the validity of these tests, ensure officers adhere to their protocol, and preserve the defendant's rights in court.