In the realm of DUI law enforcement and prosecution, few studies have wielded as much influence as the 1998 San Diego Study and the resulting sobriety test data. This research, which aimed to validate the accuracy of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) at blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of 0.08% and…
The San Diego Study, conducted in 1998, stands as a cornerstone in the evaluation and validation of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) for detecting drivers with blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) at or above 0.08 grams per deciliter. As we delve deeper into this influential research, we move beyond the foundational…
In the realm of DUI law enforcement and prosecution, few tools have garnered as much attention and controversy as Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). These tests, designed to help law enforcement officers assess a driver’s level of impairment, have become a cornerstone of DUI investigations across the United States. However,…
“Just take Uber” – It‘s a phrase echoed across Charlotte’s vibrant nightlife scene, from Uptown bars to NoDa breweries. On the surface, it seems like a simple, foolproof solution to prevent driving under the influence (DUI). But as the Charlotte metro area rapidly expands towards 3 million residents, stretching from…
Revisions to N.C.G.S. § 20-179.3 represent a significant update to North Carolina’s Limited Driving Privilege laws, with potentially far-reaching implications. In this post, we’ll discuss eligibility for an Ignition Interlock Limited Driving Privilege for certain Level 2 offenders, reinstatement requirements involving expanded use of ignition interlock devices (IID), mandatory reporting…
When you see those flashing lights in your rearview mirror and an officer signals you to pull over, your heart might skip a beat, especially if they suspect impairment and decide to conduct a sobriety test. Among the various methods employed by law enforcement to assess impairment, the walk and…
The alarming rise in hit-and-run incidents raises pressing questions for criminal defense lawyers about the psychology underlying why certain drivers fail to stop and render aid. From a fleeting moment of panic to a calculated decision to evade consequences, the decision to flee to elude criminal charges reflects a troubling…
A primary concern for many who face an arrest for DUI charges in North Carolina involves the ability to drive. Most people want to know, “What happens to your license after a DWI?” and “Can you get a work privilege or hardship license?” Facing a DWI charge in North Carolina…
The aftermath of a DWI conviction in North Carolina reaches far beyond the courtroom’s walls. For many, it’s not just about the immediate fines or even the potential for a permanent record; it’s about the ripples it sends through every facet of life. From employment aspirations to personal relationships, a…
If you get pulled over for suspicion of DUI, law enforcement will likely administer a series of field sobriety tests to determine your level of impairment, if any. The most common sobriety tests police officers administer are divided into three categories: physical coordination tasks, mental acuity assessments, and eye examinations.…