Hollywood DUI Defense Lawyers

Field Sobriety Tests & DUI Charges

After a police officer has pulled a driver over for suspected drunk driving in Hollywood, California, he or she may ask the driver to perform one or more field sobriety tests. These are roadside tests which are used to determine whether a driver is intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The most commonly used field sobriety tests include the following three:

• Walk and Turn:
  The walk and turn involves having the driver walk a certain number of paces in one direction, heel-to-toe, and then turn around and walk the same number of steps in the opposite direction. The officer will use this test to judge the driver’s balance, ability to follow instructions and coordination.
  
• Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus:
  The horizontal gaze nystagmus is a test wherein the officer will ask the driver to follow an object (pen or finger) or light with his or her eyes. The officer will look for an involuntary, side-to-side jerking movement of the driver’s eyes. This movement is considered to be a sign of intoxication.
  
• One Leg Stand:
  The one leg stand is a test that gauges a driver’s balance and coordination. During the test, the officer will have the driver stand with one leg slightly raised off the ground. The officer may have the driver do this for a certain number of seconds, while counting aloud.

Are Field Sobriety Tests Accurate?

Field sobriety tests cannot accurately determine whether a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) itself conducted an evaluation and thorough testing of the three above field sobriety tests, and this proved that they are not 100% accurate.

How a Hollywood DUI Attorney Can Help

A Hollywood DUI attorney can use the inaccuracies of field sobriety testing to your advantage if you are facing DUI charges. You may have been accused of failing field sobriety tests, but what if these were administered improperly? What if you have a physical condition which interfered with your ability to perform the test correctly? A defense attorney will know what strategy to use to challenge field sobriety test results and fight your Hollywood DUI charges.

Contact a Hollywood DUI lawyer at Gutierrez, Curtis & Gutierrez to discuss field sobriety tests and DUI in California.