Field Sobriety Tests
Explained by an Orange County DUI Lawyer
A field sobriety test may be administered if a police officer suspects
you have been driving under the influence. Field sobriety tests take on
several forms and can include the horizontal gaze method, the walk-and-turn,
or the one-leg stand. Even though it may seem like failing a field sobriety
test cannot be disputed, there are actually many ways to challenge a sobriety
test. An experienced DUI attorney can assess your particular case to determine
if the circumstances surrounding your field sobriety test can be used
as a defense.
Factors Affecting Field Sobriety Tests
There are many factors at play when a field sobriety test is administered.
To start, any person who has just been pulled over by a police officer
will likely be nervous or unsure as to the reason for the stop. This can
greatly affect the driver's reaction times, ability to follow even
simple directions, and general coordination. Therefore, a driver's
inability to pass a field sobriety test is not necessarily an indication
of his or her intoxication level. Other tests, such as a
breath test or blood test, must be used to determine the level of blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
Some additional aspects that may affect the results of a field sobriety
test include poor weather conditions, driver fatigue, clarity of instructions
given by the officer, age of the driver, and ability of the driver to
accurately comprehend and perform the tasks being given.
A lawyer from the firm will be able to determine if your field sobriety
test is grounds for a DUI conviction. They may be able to prepare a defense
that uses details from the field sobriety test you received to fight for
lesser penalties or perhaps even a case dismissal. It is important to
talk to a DUI attorney at The Law Office of Bruce C. Bridgman as soon
as possible to begin working to build a
defense for your case. The legal experience of their Orange County
DUI attorneys, coupled with an unwavering commitment to client satisfaction,
means you can have the upmost confidence in entrusting them with your
DUI charges.