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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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Dear Randall:
I am sure you do not remember me, but you represented me in my case. I was a heroin addict and have not been clean for over 4 years. I don’t think I have ever properly thanked you. You really fought hard for me and thanks to you believing in me, I really have turned my life around. There is not a day that goes by I do not live with regret. However I really am working hard on that thing we call “forgiveness”. Thank you for everything. I truly believe you are the best lawyer around!
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Thanks so much!! Really appreciate your valued expertise and quick action.- Kevin E.
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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 was facing 50+ years in prison for false charges. Randy believed in me. My public defender tried to convince me that Jail and years of intense probation were my only option. I then hired Randy. 3 months later my case was dismissed and I am now at home with my family and get to watch my son grow up. His assistant Jennifer Prescott is amazing and between the two of them I was always informed. And they always kept me calm. Randy saved my life and saved my families life as well. Thank you Randy. I have a "checkered past" to say the least and have dealt with over 10 attorneys in my life. Randy is head and shoulders above the rest! THANK YOU RANDY!!- Marcus P.
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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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Having never committed a crime, ending up in jail was a humiliating experience for me. His staff kept me informed, Mr. Craig kept me calm, and in the end he was able to negotiate the right deal for me. He has simple flat rates and doesn't bill you for things like copies and phone calls.- JC
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Mr. Craig and his office staff are a team of experienced, caring, and responsive professionals. As an "out of state" client, Mr. Craig was able to obtain a very positive outcome to my case -- without my presence in court. I am truly grateful to Mr. Craig and his staff for their support. I would highly recommend Mr. Craig, without reservation, and feel very fortunate to have had the benefit of his representation. Thank you to Mr. Craig and Staff!- BT
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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
