Field Sobriety Tests in Atlanta DUI Cases

Field sobriety tests in Atlanta DUI cases play an important role for the police officers who pull you over. The police use the tests to observe impairments in your physical or cognitive abilities. If you fail a field sobriety test, they may arrest you for a DUI. On the other hand, field sobriety tests can play an important role in a DUI defense strategy. The tests are subjective and could be misinterpreted.

Learn more about field sobriety tests from a talented DUI attorney, and find out how we could build a defense for your DUI case.

Standardized Field Sobriety Tests

An Atlanta law enforcement official needs probable cause to arrest someone, which is why they often assess drivers with standardized field sobriety tests. These are the three tests typically used:

• Walk and Turn, a test that involves walking in a straight line for nine steps, heel to toe
• One Leg Stand, in which a driver stands on one leg and lifts the other leg six inches in the air
• Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, which tests a driver on their ability to follow a moving object with their eyes

When you take these tests, the officer will score you. If you fail, it will likely lead to your arrest.

The Problems With Field Sobriety Tests

When defending Atlanta DUI cases involving field sobriety tests, we analyze the results, evaluate the officer’s administration of the tests, and compare them to the defendant’s performance when fully sober.

Field sobriety tests are designed for failure. Officers use them to gather evidence for an arrest, making you perform difficult tasks under the influence. However, these tests can also be challenging when sober. Poor balance, medical conditions, or the stress of a police stop can lead to failure. Uneven surfaces may further compromise performance, making the results unreliable.

Officers subjectively score field sobriety tests without a scientific method to prove intoxication. Their judgments can involve human error or misinterpretation, making the results open to challenge in court.

Refusing a Field Sobriety Test

Not everyone knows they can refuse a field sobriety test without penalties. In some cases, refusal is the best option. Officers can still make an arrest based on other evidence of impairment, but proving a DUI becomes more difficult without the results of the field sobriety test.

Not all tests are voluntary. The three field sobriety tests used in Atlanta DUI cases (mentioned above) are optional, but refusing a breath, blood, or urine test can result in penalties.

Talk to a Lawyer About Your Atlanta DUI Case and Field Sobriety Test

Field sobriety tests in Atlanta DUI cases can be key to a strong defense strategy. An experienced lawyer at our firm will thoroughly investigate your case and challenge the results, potentially leading to dismissed charges or reduced penalties.

If you are facing DUI charges, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Even if the field sobriety test does not play a role in your case, you still need an experienced attorney to be your advocate in court and help you navigate the legal system.