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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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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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I screwed up bad by not getting this lawyer. He gave me a flat rate which I thought was a little high for what seemed like a slam dunk case. I stupidly went for another lawyer's sales pitch who promised to go after corrupt cops (he didn't). I ended up spending twice as much for bumbling incompetence. I received more good advice FREE from Randall than the bum I paid. If I need a Lawyer again in AZ, it will be Randall.- Former Client
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This guy is the best I have seen. He is very knowledgeable and efficient in what he does He was totally straight up with me and honest and got me an acquittal. Hire him. I also hear he represents the baseline killer guy.- Former Client
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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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Mr. Craig is very knowledgeable and experienced in all Criminal matters. He has helped me get through a very hard time in my life. My case was overturned and we won. My embarrassing charge was dismissed. He worked very hard and was always there to support me. He is a great lawyers and a great person!- Former Client
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This man has a "Heart of Gold" he was very honest and kind. He did everything he told me he would, the only BAD thing I can say is his investigator Judd Slivka is the worst, did not do his job right and did not call me as promised by Randy. If Randy was to get a "real" investigator he would really do much better. Randy is the best I have ever seen yet! As for phone calls he was there for me 8 out of 10 times, he was at all of our appointments, he is very professional and I would recommend him to anyone! Randy can get anything done that he puts his heart to! He has a nice smile, honest and is very supportive, a rare find in a lawyer! I wish the best to you Randy & hope to see you have a huge law firm in the future, you deserve it!- Former Client
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Thanks again, I really appreciate it. I think this will help me achieve the academic position I want, and hopefully deserve (I didn't get the U of Wisconsin post, but will let you know how I do in the next round). You're a very good lawyer.- Craig T.
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Thank you OG for all your time that you put in, I greatly admire your work. You’re a good lawyer. I want to tell you, you did a great job on my case. I am very happy…I am definitely a Randall Craig Fan! Thank you for your love and support.- MC
