Greg W. Sronce

Strong DUI Defense to Protect Your Future

A DUI charge can have severe and far-reaching consequences, including hefty fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Greg W. Sronce is committed to providing a robust defense to challenge the evidence against you and protect your rights.

Typical Evidence in DUI Cases

Motor Vehicle DUI (Pre-stop Cues of DUI)

Officers are trained to look for what they call “cues” that predict DUI above .08 prior to the officer ever having contact with the driver of a vehicle. Here are 24 cues that predict that the driver is DUI 35% of the time. Again, the standard to prove a DUI is the criminal standard beyond a reasonable doubt.

  • Observation of weaving or crossing lane lines is indicative of DUI 50%.
  • Observation of weaving and any additional cue below is indicative of DUI 65%.
  • Observing two cues not including weaving is indicative of DUI 50% of the time.
  • Swerving, accelerating for no reason, and driving on other than designated roadway each by themselves indicates DUI 70% of the time.
  • The most extreme DUI cue is to find a driver stopped in a lane for no apparent reason.
  • Note that speeding is NOT a pre-stop cue for detecting DUI.

50%-70% Indicative of DUI

  • Weaving
  • Weaving across lane lines
  • Straddling a lane line
  • Swerving
  • Turning with a wide radius
  • Drifting
  • Almost striking another vehicle or object

50%-65% Indicative of DUI

  • Driving the wrong way
  • Slow response to traffic signals
  • Driving without headlights on
  • Failure to signal

Motor Vehicle DUI (Post-stop Cues of DUI)

Less than or equal to 85% indicative of DUI:

  • Difficulty exiting the vehicle.
  • Fumbling with driving license.
  • Slurred speech.
  • Odor of alcoholic beverage.
  • Swaying or balance problems.
  • Repeating comments or questions.
  • Slow to respond to the officer.
  • Providing incorrect information.

Roadside Safety Checks (Roadblocks)

The probability of detecting DUI by random traffic enforcement stops (roadblocks) at night has been found to be about 3%.

Motorcycle DUIs

Officers are trained to look for what they call “cues” which predict DUI prior to the officer ever having contact with the operator of the motorcycle. Here are some probabilities associated with certain cues that they might try to use against you in proving a DUI. Remember that proof beyond a reasonable doubt is the standard to apply in any DUI case. Also, note that speeding is not listed as a cue.

50% or Greater:

  • Drifting during turn or curve
  • Trouble with dismount
  • Trouble with balance at a stop
  • Weaving
  • Inappropriate or unusual behavior (dropping an object)

30%-50% Indicative of DUI

  • Erratic movements while going straight
  • Operating with lights at night
  • Following too closely
  • Running a stop light or sign
  • Wrong way

Reliability of Field Sobriety Testing

HGN – Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test

Follow my finger or light with your eyes. The most reliable test (77%) but it must be administered correctly. If not administered correctly, it cannot be used as evidence in your case. It is important to scrutinize how this test was performed.

  • This is typically the very first test that the officer will administer during his investigation of a DUI.
  • Nystagmus is the involuntary jerking of the eyes and is an indication of alcohol consumption.
  • The officer must perform the test in accordance with the rules or it is not to be considered as evidence of DUI.
  • It can only be considered for the limited purpose, if it was administered correctly, of proving that the driver probably consumed alcohol and was possibly under the influence.
  • The HGN test cannot be used to establish that the defendant’s blood alcohol concentration was at or above a certain limit.
  • Conversely, if there is no display of HGN, then it can be used to show there was no consumption of alcohol.

Was the HGN properly administered in your case?

  • The officer is required to test nystagmus at an angle of 45 degrees.
  • Movement of the finger or stimulus should take two seconds out and back for each eye.
  • Hold the stimulus for a minimum of four seconds at maximum deviation.
  • These are just a few of the issues in assessing the validity of the HGN.

The HGN by itself was 77% accurate.

The Walk-and-Turn by itself was 68% accurate.

  • Issues that often arise are a person’s age and their ability to accurately perform this test with limited mobility. In addition, the conditions such as dry, hard, non-slippery surfaces and the type of shoes being worn.

The One-Legged Stand by itself was 65% accurate.

  • Similar issues often impact the results of this test including age, weight, and shoes.

Combining all four tests’ results in an 80% probability of a DUI.

Thorough Case Review

He meticulously reviews every aspect of your case, from the traffic stop to the breathalyzer test results, aiming to uncover any inconsistencies or errors. His goal is to minimize the impact of the charge on your life, safeguard your driving privileges, and achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.

Get in Touch Today

Ready to tackle your DUI charge with expert legal support? Contact Greg W. Sronce to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.

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