| Jan 26, 2026 | Case: 25-CT-502777 | Judge Gagliardi |
| Facts: | The defendant was stopped for swerving and almost colliding with other cars. Officers noticed an odor of alcohol, a flushed/red face, slurred speech, and bloodshot eyes. She stumbled, was unable to maintain her balance, and wine was found in the car. The defendant refused to perform any field sobriety tests and was arrested for DUI. She later refused a breath test. | |
| Defense: | When a defendant refuses to perform field sobriety tests, an officer must advise them of adverse consequences or the refusal will be excluded from evidence. The officer must state something like "your refusal can be used against you in court", or "I will have to make my decision to arrest based on what I've seen so far." Here, there were no adverse consequences. In addition, on tape, the officer was overly aggressive towards her for no reason. After conversations with the State, they Dropped the DUI. | |
| Result: | The State dropped the DUI. | |
