- Consumer's Choice Award 2019
- Consumer's Choice Award 2020
- Consumer's Choice Award 2021
- Consumer's Choice Award 2022
- Consumer's Choice Award 2023
- Consumer's Choice Award 2024
If you were stopped in Summit and asked to perform a field sobriety test, the results may be used against you in a DUI case. At Frankfort Law Group we represent people facing these allegations across Cook County. We evaluate police conduct, test administration, and other factors that affect results. Our goal is to identify weaknesses in the stop and the testing procedure so we can pursue case outcomes that protect your driving privileges and personal record.
Field sobriety tests are subjective assessments administered under stressful conditions that can be affected by weather, footwear, medical issues, and officer technique. Challenging these tests often requires careful review of body-cam footage, police reports, and medical history. We help clients understand potential defenses and next steps, whether that means negotiating with prosecutors, presenting motions in court, or preparing for trial with a focus on how the tests were conducted and documented.
Successfully challenging field sobriety test results can significantly affect the course of a DUI case. A weak or improperly administered test may lead to reduced charges, case dismissal, or exclusion of unreliable evidence. Addressing these issues early can also limit administrative consequences like license suspension. Our approach focuses on identifying procedural errors and presenting clear legal arguments that protect your rights and help preserve your driving record and future opportunities.
Frankfort Law Group is based in Illinois and represents clients throughout Cook County, including Summit. Our trial lawyers handle DUI matters and have extensive courtroom experience defending clients against sobriety-related charges. We combine thorough investigation with firm advocacy at administrative hearings and in criminal court. Clients work directly with attorneys who prioritize clear communication, realistic assessments, and aggressive representation tailored to each case’s facts and the client’s priorities.
Field sobriety tests are designed to give officers a quick, on-scene indication of impairment, but they were never intended to be scientific measures. Tests like the walk-and-turn and one-leg stand rely on balance, coordination, and divided attention. A range of factors can affect performance, and those factors can form the basis of legal challenges. Our role is to review whether tests were appropriate, administered correctly, and properly recorded before relying on them in court.
Challenging a field sobriety test often begins with a detailed review of the arresting officer’s report, body-worn camera footage, and any notes about the testing environment. We also consider medical conditions, injuries, or physical limitations that could explain poor performance. By assembling evidence and consulting with qualified evaluators where necessary, we build lines of argument aimed at undermining the reliability of the test results used by the prosecution.
Field sobriety tests are standardized tasks officers may use during traffic stops to assess impairment. Common tests include the horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk-and-turn, and one-leg stand. Officers may also use nonstandard tasks or observational cues. While intended to inform probable cause decisions, courts scrutinize how these tests were conducted and whether results are reliable. Understanding what the tests measure, and their limits, helps shape legal challenges in DUI proceedings.
When assessing a field sobriety test, we look at officer training, test instructions, environmental conditions, and subject performance. We examine whether the officer followed the standardized administration steps, whether video evidence captures the encounter, and whether any medical or physical issues were documented. Each of these elements affects admissibility and weight of the evidence. Clear documentation gaps or procedural deviations create opportunities to argue that test results should not determine guilt.
This glossary explains common terms you may encounter during a DUI case. Familiarity with these phrases helps clients follow the legal process and understand the basis for challenges. Entries include explanations of testing protocols, legal standards like probable cause, and administrative procedures related to driver’s license suspension. Knowing the terminology clarifies options and enhances communication with your attorney throughout the defense process.
Probable cause is the legal standard officers must meet to make an arrest. In DUI stops, officers often rely on observations from driving behavior and field sobriety tests to establish probable cause. A defense challenge may contend that the evidence used to establish probable cause was insufficient or improperly obtained. If probable cause is lacking, certain evidence may be suppressed and the prosecution’s case weakened.
Standardized field sobriety tests are specific tasks developed and validated for roadside impairment screening. They include the HGN test, walk-and-turn, and one-leg stand. Proper administration requires following prescribed instructions and conditions. Challenges typically focus on deviations from the standardized procedures, which can render the results unreliable or inadmissible. These tests are not definitive proof of blood alcohol concentration but are used as indicators.
Administrative license suspension refers to the automatic action taken by the state after an arrest for DUI when a driver refuses or fails chemical testing. Separate from criminal charges, this process can lead to immediate suspension of driving privileges unless timely challenged at a hearing. An attorney can represent you at that hearing to contest the suspension and present mitigating information about the stop and testing procedures.
A suppression motion asks the court to exclude certain evidence from trial, often due to improper police conduct or violations of constitutional rights. In DUI cases, motions to suppress may target the stop, the basis for arrest, or field sobriety test results. Successful suppression can narrow or eliminate the prosecutor’s evidentiary foundation and may lead to reduced charges or dismissal depending on the remaining evidence.
When facing field sobriety test results, options range from narrow challenges to broad defense plans that address all elements of the arrest. A limited approach may focus on suppressing specific evidence, while a comprehensive defense reviews patrol procedures, chemical testing, and administrative consequences. Choosing a path depends on case specifics and client goals. We discuss potential outcomes and recommended strategies to pursue the strongest results given the available evidence.
A limited challenge can be effective when there are clear, isolated procedural errors, such as an officer failing to follow standardized instructions or incomplete documentation of the test. If excluding that single piece of evidence materially weakens the prosecution’s case, focusing on that issue may resolve the matter without broader litigation. We assess whether the procedural flaw is significant enough to change the overall strength of the charges.
A targeted defense may suffice if other evidence is weak or ambiguous and challenging one key item would likely force a reduction or dismissal. For example, if the case hinges primarily on a single problematic test and chemical testing is absent or inconclusive, attacking that test could achieve a favorable outcome. We evaluate likely prosecutorial responses and the risks of relying on a narrow strategy.
A comprehensive defense is often necessary when the prosecution presents multiple forms of evidence, such as field sobriety tests, chemical tests, and strong observational reports. Addressing only one piece may leave other evidence intact. A full review considers suppression motions, discovery requests, witness interviews, and preparation for trial, all intended to present a coherent defense and maximize the chance of a favorable result across all fronts.
When the situation involves complicating factors—such as injuries, medical conditions, multiple stops, or prior DUI history—comprehensive representation is important. These facts can affect sentencing, administrative penalties, and negotiating leverage. A broad strategy ensures all angles are considered, from plea options to trial tactics, and helps protect driving privileges and long-term consequences by addressing both immediate charges and collateral administrative matters.
A comprehensive approach provides a complete review of the stop, testing, and subsequent procedures so nothing important is overlooked. This includes securing evidence, interviewing witnesses, evaluating video, and preparing legal motions. By addressing all aspects of the case, we create multiple opportunities to mitigate charges, prevent license suspension, or obtain a favorable plea. Comprehensive preparation also improves courtroom readiness if the matter proceeds to trial.
Comprehensive representation also helps manage administrative proceedings that run parallel to criminal cases, such as license hearings. Timely legal action preserves appeal and hearing rights and can prevent an automatic loss of driving privileges. Clients benefit from coordinated advocacy that balances negotiation with readiness for litigation and prioritizes practical solutions that align with personal and professional needs.
Thorough evidence review identifies weaknesses in testimony, inconsistencies in reports, and omitted video or audio that may impact the prosecution’s case. This process often reveals factual or procedural errors that can be used in negotiations or motions. A detailed examination provides a clearer picture of likely outcomes and strengthens the client’s position when discussing resolutions with prosecutors or presenting arguments in court.
Coordinating defense across administrative and criminal tracks helps protect driving privileges and avoid surprise consequences. Handling license hearings, bail matters, and criminal charges together ensures consistent arguments and maximizes the chance of favorable procedural outcomes. Clients receive unified representation that addresses both immediate needs and long-term implications, reducing uncertainty and preserving options for future employment and mobility.
If you are stopped, remain calm and follow lawful instructions to limit escalation. Avoid physical resistance or argumentative behavior with officers. Politely decline to perform optional tests if you are unsure about your ability to comply, and clearly explain any medical issues or injuries. These steps help preserve your safety and record while allowing your attorney to later review whether the officer’s actions were appropriate under the circumstances.
Contact an attorney promptly to discuss available defenses and timelines for administrative hearings or criminal filings. Early legal involvement allows for timely preservation of rights, submission of necessary requests, and preparation of motions to challenge problematic evidence. Fast action helps ensure the best defense strategies are available and can prevent procedural defaults that might harm your case.
You should consider challenging field sobriety test results when tests were administered under questionable conditions, instructions were unclear, or your performance could be explained by non-alcohol factors. Medical conditions, language barriers, uneven surfaces, and footwear can all affect outcomes. A legal review can determine whether these factors were documented and whether they create a basis to reduce the weight or admissibility of test results in your DUI case.
Another important reason to pursue challenges is to protect driving privileges through administrative hearings that run parallel to criminal cases. Timely legal action can delay or prevent immediate license suspension and provide an opportunity to present mitigating information. Addressing both criminal and administrative aspects of your case increases the chances of limiting long-term consequences and achieving an outcome aligned with your priorities.
People often need representation when sobriety testing is affected by medical conditions, environmental factors, poor lighting, or improper officer technique. Other circumstances include lack of video evidence, misinterpretation of normal behavior as impairment, language barriers, or physical limitations. Each of these scenarios can undermine the reliability of test results and provide grounds for legal challenges aimed at reducing or dismissing DUI charges.
Medical conditions, recent injuries, or disabilities can make performance on field sobriety tests difficult even without alcohol impairment. Conditions such as inner ear problems, joint issues, or neurological disorders may affect balance and coordination. Documenting these conditions and presenting medical records can help explain poor test performance and form part of a defense strategy that questions the validity of the testing as proof of impairment.
Adverse weather, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or footwear like high heels can all compromise the fairness of field sobriety testing. These factors may cause normal performance difficulties that are unrelated to alcohol. Challenging the testing environment involves showing how conditions prevented standardized administration or affected the subject’s ability to perform, which can reduce the weight of test results at trial or during plea discussions.
Errors in following standardized test procedures, missing documentation, or inconsistent officer accounts can undermine the credibility of field sobriety results. Incomplete instructions, failure to time or count steps correctly, or lack of video recording are common issues. Identifying these procedural deficiencies enables defense counsel to question the reliability of the tests and pursue motions that can limit the prosecution’s evidence.
Frankfort Law Group represents clients in Summit and throughout Cook County who face DUI allegations based on field sobriety testing. We provide case evaluations, handle administrative hearings, and advocate in criminal court. From preserving evidence to negotiating with prosecutors, we guide clients through each step, explaining options and likely outcomes so they can make informed decisions about their defense and protect their driving privileges and future opportunities.
Choosing legal representation ensures you have someone to gather evidence, review police procedures, and advocate on your behalf. Frankfort Law Group focuses on litigating matters through administrative and criminal channels, crafting defenses tailored to each case. We prioritize clear communication and strategic planning to pursue the best possible outcome for your situation while protecting your rights throughout the process.
Our approach includes timely preservation of body-worn camera footage and police reports, interviewing witnesses, and preparing motions when necessary. We work to identify legal issues that can be raised early in the case to improve negotiating leverage or seek suppression of problematic evidence. This careful preparation supports informed decision making whether pursuing a negotiated resolution or taking the matter to trial.
We also coordinate representation for administrative license hearings that may follow a DUI arrest. Handling both criminal and administrative matters together helps protect driving privileges and ensures consistent advocacy across forums. Clients receive practical guidance on potential consequences and a plan customized to their needs and priorities to minimize disruption to work and daily life.
Our process begins with a comprehensive case evaluation and evidence preservation. We request all reports and video, review medical and witness information, and assess the testing environment and officer conduct. From there we develop a strategy that may include motions to suppress, negotiation with prosecutors, or preparation for trial. We keep clients informed and involved when making decisions about plea offers or litigation tactics throughout the case.
During intake we gather the arrest report, citations, dashcam and bodycam footage, and any available witness statements. Early document requests preserve critical evidence that could be altered or lost. This stage also includes identifying medical factors or physical limitations that could affect testing. Detailed evidence collection forms the foundation for evaluating suppression options and building a defense tailored to the facts.
We promptly request body-worn camera and dashcam footage and secure copies to prevent potential loss or deletion. Video offers objective context for the stop and testing conditions and is often essential in assessing whether procedures were followed correctly. Early preservation orders and formal records requests ensure that critical visual evidence is available for review and use in motions or trial preparation.
Collecting medical records, witness statements, and documentation of environmental conditions helps explain test performance and shows non-alcohol explanations for observed behavior. This information supports arguments that the test results are unreliable due to legitimate health or situational reasons. Proper documentation is also useful at administrative hearings and in negotiations with prosecutors to seek favorable resolutions.
After reviewing the evidence, we determine whether to file motions to suppress, request discovery, or open settlement discussions. We use procedural deficiencies and lack of reliable testing as leverage in negotiations or as grounds for exclusion at trial. Strategic motions may remove critical evidence, forcing the prosecution to reassess charges. We keep clients informed about options and likely outcomes at each decision point in this phase.
A suppression motion challenges the admissibility of evidence obtained during the stop or arrest, including field sobriety test results. We craft motions based on constitutional or procedural violations and present factual support from video and reports. Successful suppression can dramatically alter the case, potentially leading to reduced charges or dismissal if the prosecution’s primary evidence is excluded from trial.
When appropriate, we engage prosecutors with the goal of obtaining reduced charges or alternative resolutions that protect clients’ records and driving privileges. Negotiations are informed by the strength of available evidence and any favorable rulings obtained through motions. We seek outcomes that align with our clients’ priorities while minimizing collateral consequences like license suspension and employment impact.
If a case proceeds to trial, we prepare by developing a clear theory of defense, identifying witnesses, and preparing cross-examination strategies. Trial preparation includes mock examinations, expert consultations when necessary, and thorough review of all evidence. Court advocacy emphasizes factual presentation and legal argument to challenge the reliability of field sobriety testing and to protect clients’ rights throughout the judicial process.
We prepare witnesses and compile exhibits to demonstrate inconsistencies or unreliability in the prosecution’s case. This may include highlighting conflicting officer statements, environmental conditions, or medical records that explain performance on tests. Proper preparation increases the likelihood the judge or jury will view the evidence skeptically, which supports defense goals during trial or plea negotiations.
During trial we present arguments that emphasize weaknesses in field sobriety testing and officer procedure, while protecting client rights through careful cross-examination and evidentiary challenges. Our trial lawyers advocate for outcomes that reflect the full context of the stop and testing. The focus is on presenting a persuasive narrative that questions the prosecution’s claims and advances the client’s best available defenses.
At the Frankfort Law Group, we take great pride in our commitment to personal service. Clients come to us because they have problems, and they depend upon us to help them find solutions. We take these obligations seriously. When you meet with us, we know that you are only doing so because you need help. Since we started our firm in northeast Illinois, we have focused on providing each of our clients with personal attention. You do not have to be afraid to tell us your story. We are not here to judge you or make you feel ashamed for seeking help. Our only goal is to help you get results and move past your current legal problems.
At the Frankfort Law Group, we take great pride in our commitment to personal service. Clients come to us because they have problems, and they depend upon us to help them find solutions. We take these obligations seriously. When you meet with us, we know that you are only doing so because you need help. Since we started our firm in northeast Illinois, we have focused on providing each of our clients with personal attention. You do not have to be afraid to tell us your story. We are not here to judge you or make you feel ashamed for seeking help. Our only goal is to help you get results and move past your current legal problems.
You can decline to perform voluntary field sobriety tests, and many people choose not to take them because they are subjective and can be misinterpreted. Refusing a voluntary roadside test may prompt the officer to seek other indicators or request chemical testing, but it does not automatically mean you will be charged. Discussing options with an attorney helps weigh the immediate risks and the long-term strategy for your defense.Because laws and procedures vary, it is important to understand both the criminal and administrative consequences of refusing tests. An attorney can explain how refusal may affect license suspension timelines and what steps to take next to protect your rights and preserve evidence for later review.
Field sobriety tests provide officers with indicators of possible impairment but are not definitive measures of blood alcohol concentration. Their reliability depends on correct administration, testing conditions, and the subject’s physical and medical status. Courts review whether procedures were followed and whether environmental factors like surface irregularities or poor lighting affected the outcome.Because of their subjective nature, field sobriety tests are often one piece of a larger evidentiary puzzle. A thorough defense examines whether these tests were administered properly and whether other evidence supports or contradicts the officer’s conclusions.
Poor performance on a field sobriety test does not automatically result in a conviction. Prosecutors must prove impairment beyond a reasonable doubt, and defense strategies often focus on undermining the reliability of the tests or the validity of the arrest. Many cases are resolved through negotiated pleas or suppression of shaky evidence, depending on the facts.Your legal representation will evaluate all available evidence, including chemical tests and video, to determine the best path forward. Challenging unreliable testing can lead to reduced charges, dismissal, or more favorable plea options in many situations.
If you have a medical condition that affects balance or coordination, it is important to document it and inform your attorney as soon as possible. Medical records and statements from treating providers can help explain why a person might perform poorly on a field sobriety test despite not being impaired. This documentation can be pivotal in challenging the test results.During legal review, we consider how such conditions could have influenced performance and whether the officer should have recognized or accounted for them. Presenting clear medical evidence can reduce the weight of test results in negotiations or at trial.
Contacting an attorney promptly is advisable because timely action is necessary to preserve evidence and meet administrative deadlines. Early representation allows for immediate requests for body-worn camera footage, police reports, and other records that might otherwise be lost. It also enables preparation for any license suspension hearings that have strict timelines.Fast involvement gives your defense the best chance to identify problems with the stop or testing and to file motions or challenges within required timeframes. This proactive approach can improve outcomes and prevent procedural mistakes that could harm your position.
Body-worn camera or dashcam footage often provides objective context that can confirm or contradict officer statements about the stop and testing conditions. Video can reveal poor lighting, uneven surfaces, or officer instructions that were unclear or not followed. It is one of the most useful pieces of evidence in assessing the fairness and accuracy of a field sobriety test.Preserving and reviewing this footage early is critical, as deletion or overwriting can occur. An attorney will request and analyze video to determine whether it supports a suppression motion or negotiation strategy and to identify factual inconsistencies that benefit the defense.
An administrative license suspension hearing addresses the state’s action to suspend driving privileges following a DUI arrest and a chemical test refusal or failure. This hearing is separate from criminal court and focuses on whether the suspension was justified under administrative rules. Timely requesting a hearing is essential to contest the suspension and to present mitigating information that may preserve driving privileges.An attorney can represent you at the hearing, present medical or procedural evidence, and argue for postponement or denial of suspension when appropriate. Successful advocacy at this stage can prevent immediate loss of driving privileges while the criminal case proceeds.
Officers are required to follow certain procedures when administering standardized field sobriety tests, including delivering precise instructions and ensuring safe conditions for testing. Deviations from these procedures can undermine the validity of results and provide a basis for legal challenges. Courts evaluate whether the officer’s administration conformed to accepted methods and documentation standards.When procedures are not followed or are poorly documented, those errors can be raised in suppression motions or at trial to reduce the evidentiary value of the tests. An attorney will scrutinize the officer’s conduct and paperwork to identify procedural flaws.
Challenging a field sobriety test can lead to reduced penalties if it causes the prosecution to reassess the strength of the case. Excluding unreliable test results may force prosecutors to offer lesser charges or dismiss the matter if other evidence is weak. Even when charges remain, successful challenges can lead to more favorable plea terms or sentencing outcomes.The impact of a challenge depends on the full evidentiary picture, including chemical testing and witness observations. A comprehensive defense evaluates how best to leverage weaknesses in testing to obtain the best possible resolution for the client.
The timeline for resolving a DUI case varies depending on whether the matter is negotiated, involves hearings, or proceeds to trial. Some cases resolve in weeks through plea agreements, while others require months for motions, discovery, and court scheduling. Administrative hearings on license suspension often have separate deadlines that run alongside the criminal case.Your attorney will provide an estimated timeline based on case specifics and local court practices, keep you updated on important dates, and advise on strategic choices that affect how quickly the matter can be resolved while protecting your rights.