Overview of Detection, Note Taking, and Testimony DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing What is Vague Versus Clear?

Session 4 - Overview of Detection, Note Taking, and Testimony

DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing

What is Vague Versus Clear?

Use Clear Convincing Language

4-17

Use Clear and Convincing Language

Field notes are only as good as the information they contain. Reports must be clearly

written and events accurately described if the reports are to have evidentiary value.

One persistent problem with DWI incident reports is the use of vague language to

describe conditions, events and statements. When vague language is used, reports

provide an inaccurate picture of what happened. Clear and complete field notes help in

preparation for your testimony.

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HS 178 R5/13 12 of 21

Session 4 - Overview of Detection, Note Taking, and Testimony

DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing

Vague Clear

• Made an illegal left turn on

Jefferson

• Drove erratically

• Driver appeared drunk,

shaking

• From Main, turned left (north

bound) on Jefferson, which is

one way south bound

• Weaving from side to side.

Crossed center line twice and

drove on shoulder three times

• Driver’s eyes bloodshot; gaze

fixed; Strong odor of

alcoholic beverage on driver’s

breath

4-18

Consider the following examples. Vague Language and Clear Language

• Made an illegal left turn on Jefferson

• From Main, turned left (north bound) on Jefferson, which is one way south bound

• Drove erratically

• Weaving from side to side. Crossed center line twice and drove on shoulder three

times

• Driver appeared drunk, shaking

• Driver’s eyes bloodshot; gaze fixed; Strong odor of alcoholic beverage on driver’s

breath

Session 4 - Overview of Detection, Note Taking, and Testimony

DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing

Vague Clear

• Vehicle stopped in

unusual fashion

• Vehicle crossed the

center line

• Vehicle struck, climbed

curb; stopped on

sidewalk

• Vehicle drifted

completely into the

opposing traffic lane

4-19

Consider the following examples. Vague Language and Clear Language

• Vehicle stopped in unusual fashion

• Vehicle struck, climbed curb; stopped on sidewalk

• Vehicle crossed the center line

• Vehicle drifted completely into the opposing traffic lane

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HS 178 R5/13 13 of 21Source: DWI Detection and

Standardized Field

Sobriety Testing