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What You Can Expect During A Field Sobriety Test

If you are suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances like illegal or prescription drugs, then you may be required to submit to field sobriety tests. There are several tests that may be conducted, including the walk-and-turn test, one-leg stand test, and horizontal gaze nystagmus test. Standard field sobriety testing (
sfst) results are often used as evidence that a person has been drinking and driving.

The testing conducted by police officers to investigate drinking and driving are subject to specific procedures that must be followed. Police officers receive extensive training on how to conduct and interpret the tests. They must demonstrate a certain level of proficiency to become certified to administer the tests. If a police officer fails to follow the procedures and properly administer the tests, then the field sobriety tests may be inadmissible in court.

If you are arrested for a DUI, then the court may set a bail or bond amount. This is a specific dollar amount that must be paid to secure your release from incarceration. If a bail bond is not paid, then you will remain in jail while the case is pending.

A bail bonds company can make arrangements with you to have the bond amount posted. This may require you to pay only a fraction of the total bond amount required by the court.

Walk-and-Turn Test

In this test, the driver is asked to walk a certain number of steps in a straight line and then asked to turn around and return to the original starting point. During this test, police officers are looking to see if the person can maintain their balance and walk without swaying. Persons are often asked to count their steps aloud, so as to see if they can multitask.

One-Leg Stand Test

In this test, the driver stands stationary and lifts one leg off of the ground. The driver must hold their leg off of the ground for a specified length of time. While doing this test, police officers are looking to see if balance can be maintained. Intoxicated persons will often need to put their foot down or take other action to avoid falling over.

Horizontal gaze nystagmus

During this test, an officer looks at the person’s eyes and asks them to track a back-and-forth motion (often the officer’s finger or a pen). The officer is looking to see if the eyes move back-and-forth smoothly. When a person is intoxicated, their eyes may move with more rigidity and with less ease.

Other tests

Depending upon the circumstances, there may be other standard field sobriety testing sfst used. For example, there may be additional field sobriety tests for drugs. Some field sobriety tests for drugs may include the lack of convergence test, body temperature tests, observations of the mouth and other dexterity tests. Several of these tests are used to narrow the scope of which drugs are suspected.

If a person fails field sobriety tests, they may be required to submit to evidentiary testing, such as a breathalyzer, blood test or urine sample. A person may also be placed under arrest for driving under the influence.

A DUI charge can have significant consequences and there is the possibility of fines, jail, driver’s license suspensions, court-mandated treatment, and probation. If you have any prior DUI convictions, then the potential penalties are more significant. In some situations, you can reduce the chance of a harsh sentence by pursuing treatment and other efforts during your release.

If you are facing DUI charges, then you should contact an attorney and seek legal representation. If you are incarcerated on a DUI charge, then contact a bail bonds company to help secure your release

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