Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are basic agility tests that law enforcement will ask a person to perform when they believe that the person was driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.  When a person is impaired by drugs and/or alcohol, his/her coordination and sensory skills may be adversely impacted.  For most law enforcement officers, poor coordination is a sign that an individual is intoxicated. 

Many people are not aware that field sobriety tests are voluntary.  If a person is asked to perform field sobriety tests by law enforcement during a DUI traffic stop, he/she has the right to refuse to take the tests.  In fact, it is usually in a person’s best interest to refuse to consent to field sobriety tests.  A person should refuse FST testing because law enforcement makes the final call as to whether or not the person has passed or failed.  Law enforcement likely already believes a person to be intoxicated if they ask him/her to perform field sobriety tests.

Additionally, it is important to know that there are a great variety of factors that could adversely impact the way a person performs on field sobriety tests, such as weather conditions, poor lighting, bad instructions, physical disabilities, or even wearing high heels.

If you have questions about the outcome of your field sobriety tests or you have been charged with DUI, you should consult with a knowledgeable DUI defense attorney immediately.  A DUI defense attorney can review your case and advise you of your options.

California’s Top DUI Attorneys

If you have been charged with DUI in California, you cannot afford to be without representation from a skilled DUI lawyer.  Without assistance from a California DUI attorney, you stand little chance of winning your case with the court or the Department of Motor Vehicles.  The best thing you can do after you have been charged with driving under the influence is to retain the services of a leading DUI defense attorney. 

Contact California’s Top DUI Attorneys today to discuss your legal options with a knowledgeable DUI lawyer.

The experienced lawyers at California’s Top DUI Attorneys handle driving under the influence cases for clients located in the following areas:  Santa Clara, San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin County, Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Sacramento, Santa Barbara, Ventura County, Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Fernando, Santa Clarita, San Luis Obispo, Sonoma, Napa, Santa Cruz, and San Diego.

Contact an attorney in your area today!