Cleveland Drunk Driving Defense Attorney

Failing a field sobriety test does not necessarily mean you are out of options. Experienced, determined criminal defense representation can make a significant difference if you have been arrested for drunk driving. At the Law Office of Hector G. Martinez, Jr. Co., LPA, in Cleveland, Ohio, you can count on us to provide the aggressive, effective defense counsel to which you are entitled.

Contact our firm to schedule a confidential initial consultation with a dedicated DUI/OVI defense attorney. Call 216-586-5491 or 888-335-1398 toll-free.

If you have been arrested for drunk driving (DUI/DWI/OVI), your first move should be to consult with a lawyer who will stand up for your rights. Even if your guilt is clear, you still have options. For example, if your constitutional rights were violated, the charges may be reduced or even dismissed with the help of a skilled defense lawyer.

Our criminal defense attorney, Hector G. Martinez, Jr., has over a decade of experience helping clients overcome drunk driving charges by effectively challenging the evidence, including evidence collected during field sobriety tests.

Standard Field Sobriety Tests in Ohio

Field sobriety tests are used by police officers to gain probable cause to arrest you for drunk driving. In Ohio, the officer will typically use the Horizontal Gaze Nystamus (HGN test), the walk and turn, or the one leg stand. Although these are standard field sobriety tests, they are not foolproof. They can even be difficult for people who are not intoxicated. Moreover, these tests are based solely on the arresting officer's opinion of how you performed.

Our attorney has obtained certification from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) to administer field sobriety tests. This understanding of how a test is administered enables him to thoroughly examine a particular traffic stop and determine if the officer made mistakes or otherwise violated your rights.

Rest assured, we will find answers to the following questions:

• Was there probable cause for the traffic stop (such as erratic driving)?
• Was the field sobriety test administered correctly?
• Was the field sobriety test conducted in a manner approved by NHTSA?
• Was the field sobriety test inaccurately scored by the officer?
• Were you read your Miranda rights?

A successful challenge of the field sobriety test can result in it being suppressed (disallowed as evidence). This will significantly weaken the prosecution's case, and position us to negotiate a more favorable outcome or obtain a dismissal of the charges.

The results you need

If you failed the field sobriety test and are now facing OVI/DUI charges in Ohio, make sure that your attorney has the experience, knowledge and legal ability to combat the serious allegations against you. Contact our office by calling 216-586-5491 or 888-335-1398 toll-free to speak with our drunk driving defense attorney. We are available 24 hours a day via answering service to answer your questions.