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Field Sobriety Tests: An Overview
You have probably seen a person attempting to perform some type of field sobriety test before, whether on TV or on the side of the road. The person may attempt to walk in a straight line, balance on their leg, or even be asked to follow an officer's pen with their eyes only. All of these are well known field sobriety tests that can be used by police officers to gather probable cause that you were driving under the influence.
So what are your rights when it comes to field sobriety tests? This is often a complex and controversial issue. Many believe that the roadside or field sobriety tests are so subject that individuals should refuse to take them every time. While each case is different, it is important to know in what ways you can exercise your rights and avoid being treated unfairly by officers.
Charged with a DUI after a field sobriety test? Contact the Law Offices of Randall J. Craig today to receive aggressive defense on your behalf!
Types of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests
Our Scottsdale DUI lawyer understands the ins and outs of DUI law in Arizona and can help you determine whether or not your rights were violated in a roadside test or if the probable cause gathered was inaccurate. We can also help demonstrate to the court how subjective and difficult these tests are to perform correctly, even for a sober person. The Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) includes three main components: Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, One-Leg Stand, and Walk and Turn.
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus
An officer will look for involuntary jerking in the eyes that happens when an eye gazes to the side, which is exaggerated when an individual is impaired. The officer will ask a person to follow a moving object to look for evidence of this.
One-Leg Stand
An individual will be asked to stand with one foot close to six inches off the ground and count for 30 seconds. During this time, an officer will look for swaying, using arms to improve balance, any hoping or use of the other foot, and other actions for evidence of impairment.
Walk and Turn
An officer will direct an individual to take 9 steps, heel-to-toe, while staying on a straight line. After that, they will turn one foot and repeat the action in the opposite direction. They will look for correct number of steps, heel-to-toe completion, and lack of balance during this test.
These tests are usually requested so that an officer can gain cause to require you to perform a breathalyzer test, which can lead to your arrest. Without this evidence, an officer may have a hard time proving your intoxication, though many take field sobriety test refusals as evidence of guilt without admission.
Defending Against SFST Results
Whether you have been arrested for refusing to perform tests or your performance was used to demonstrate probable cause for your charges, you need to take legal action right away. Our firm can review the recordings or data from your tests and the arrest process, utilizing this to build a strong defense.
Don't wait to get the defense team you need behind your case! Contact us to request a case evaluation today to get our DUI lawyer on your side.
Our Client Success Stories
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- EH
Thank you for all that you did. Because of you, I have another opportunity at life. I will use this time to better myself….get educated, make plan, goals, ambitions. Thank you for doing an outstanding job. Nothing but love!
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I paid him $5,000 to do quick trial after firing my old lawyer. It only took him 3 days to get ready. We won and he sent me $1,500 back telling me since it only took him 3 days, the balance of the retainer was owed me. Wow. Never heard of that before! Very refreshing! We won too! I knew we would. Good guy, good lawyer.- Former Client
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Randall, the long wait before trial was hard on me. Thank you for keeping me calm and focused along the way. The day of and during the trial was very stressful, but you kept me calm, focused and confident about a victory and that's exactly what we got! Thank you for vigorously arguing my case and for the vigorous cross examination of the prosecution witnesses! I would definitely refer you to anyone who needs a good aggressive attorney!- Anthony
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Thanks so much!! Really appreciate your valued expertise and quick action.- Kevin E.
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Out of trying about 6 lawyers, Randall was probably my favorite one. He helped me out with my claim and I was able to win it. You keep going on your career, because you are doing a wonderful job! Keep up the good work.- Former Client
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I personally had a great experience with this firm. The office staff kept me informed throughout the whole process, and Mr. Craig was very up front with me. I would highly recommend their services.- Former Client
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