Drunk driving arrests rely heavily on the results of Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) administered by law enforcement officers at the scene. To effectively challenge these crucial pieces of evidence, an attorney must understand the exact protocols the police are trained to follow. Torrance and Long Beach DUI Attorney Matthew J. Ruff has taken this a step further, obtaining certification in the proper administration of FSTs from the same organization that trains law enforcement: the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

This advanced police training and certification provides Mr. Ruff with an unparalleled advantage in defending his clients and ensuring their rights are protected from the moment of the traffic stop.

The Science Behind the Stop

Police officers use FSTs—such as the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), the Walk-and-Turn, and the One-Leg-Stand—to establish probable cause for a DUI arrest. However, these tests are highly subjective and susceptible to error if not administered perfectly according to NHTSA guidelines.

Mr. Ruff’s NHTSA certification means he has undergone the same rigorous training as the officers making the arrests. He is now even better equipped to identify and expose common mistakes made during roadside investigations, such as:

• Improper Instructions: Officers failing to give clear, standardized instructions to the driver.
• Environmental Factors: Challenging results based on uneven road surfaces, weather conditions, or the driver’s footwear.
• Medical Conditions: Highlighting how pre-existing medical or physical conditions can affect a person’s ability to perform the tests, regardless of sobriety.
• Failure to Observe Protocols: Recognizing when an officer deviates from the specific, required steps of the standardized tests and using this to discredit the police officer’s opinions.

Master of DUI Defense

Known as a “Master of DUI Defense,” Matthew Ruff has over 30 years of experience fighting and winning cases in Southern California courtrooms and at the DMV. His commitment to ongoing, specialized education, including his membership in the National College for DUI Defense and the DUI Defense Lawyer’s Association, demonstrates his dedication to providing top-tier legal representation in the area of DUI, DWI and drunk driving defense.

This new certification reinforces his aggressive approach to challenging the prosecution using science, the law, and innovative techniques to fight for the best possible outcome.

“In California, It is not illegal to drink and then drive,” Attorney Matthew Ruff emphasizes. “The government must prove that the driver was impaired or above the per se limit. My job is to ensure that the evidence used against my clients is reliable and legally obtained”.

If you or someone you know has been arrested for a DUI in the Torrance, Long Beach, or surrounding Southern California areas, having an attorney who understands the precise ins and outs of FST administration is a critical advantage.

Contact Attorney Matthew Ruff Today

Don’t let a flawed FST determine your future. Call Matthew Ruff directly for a consultation at 310-527-4100 to discuss the specifics of your case and how his expert knowledge can be used to challenge the evidence against you.