| Apr 24, 2025 | Case: 24-CT-407313 | Judge Bova |
| Facts: | The defendant was the at fault driver in a rear end crash. Officers noticed an odor of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, an orbital say, and poor balance. The defendant refused to perform any field sobriety tests other than HGN (eye test) and was arrested for DUI. He later refused to provide blood and breath tests. | |
| Defense: | When a defendant refuses to perform field sobriety tests, an officer must advise them of the adverse consequences for refusing. For example, the officer must state something like, "I am going to have base my decision to arrest you on what I have observed so far if you refuse." In addition, the officer can state to the defendant that their refusal can be used against them in court. If they do not give any adverse consequences, the refusal will be excluded from evidence. Here, the officer did not give the defendant any adverse consequences. After negotiations short of trial, the State Dropped the DUI. | |
| Result: | The State dropped the DUI. | |
