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DUI: Field Sobriety Tests Explained
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When an officer suspects that a driver may be intoxicated, they may ask the driver to perform a series of voluntary tests. These tests are called field sobriety tests and they include exercises that test one's balance, motor skills, and lucidity.
Some sobriety tests are:
Stand on one foot at a time: An officer will probably be looking for raising of the arms, swaying, hopping, putting the foot down, inability to stand still, body tremors or muscle tension.
Follow the pen (a.k.a: Nystagmus): An officer places an object, such as a pen, 12 inches away from the driver's face, and moves the object side to side while watching the driver's eyes. The officer will probably look for involuntary jerking or trembling of the eyeball.
The Rhomber Balance test: The driver is asked to tilt his or her head back, close his/her eyes and count 30 seconds silently. An officer will probably look for the inability to stand steady, body or eyelids shaking, opening eyes to maintain balannce, swaying or muscle tension. This also tests a person's "internal clock", which may be slowed with the use of alcohol, or sped up with the use of stimulants.
Walk and turn: The driver takes "heel-to-toe" steps in line then turns and takes the same number of "heel-to-toe" steps back. The officer will probably check for whether the individual can balance, follow instructions, be coordinated, and start/stop when asked.
Finger to Nose: The driver closes one of his or her eyes, must stand straight with feet together and touch index finger to nose. The officer will probably look for body sway or tremors, eyelid tremors or muscle tension.
Other field sobriety tests are:
- Walk in a straight line
- Touch each finger, one after the other, to thumb
- Count backwards
- Recite or sing the alphabet
The purpose of field sobriety tests are to check an individual's motor skills and "divided attention," a critical skill used while operating a motor vehicle. A breath test is a chemical test to estimate the level of intoxication. Field sobriety tests are voluntary, but refusal to cooperate may result in an automatic arrest.
If you have been recently charged with a DUI offense and have more questions regarding your unique case, come see a DUI lawyer at the Hedding Law Firm. Experienced in their field, a hardworking DUI attorney will help you fight off the Los Angeles DUI and provide more information about your driver's license and driving privileges. |
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Posted By Admin on
October 15, 2010 12:06 pm |
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