Los Angeles DUI Defense Lawyers
Field Sobriety Tests in Los Angeles, California
Whenever someone is suspected of DUI (driving under the influence) it is often protocol for law enforcement to administer one or more of several field sobriety tests. These tests help the officer in determining whether or not the suspected drunk driver is indeed most likely under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In order to safely take these tests, you will be asked to step outside of your vehicle and then you will be instructed by the officer as to how to perform the tests. There will be a series of instructions that you must follow in order to allow for the officer to make an assessment and determine whether you are actually under the influence.
At the Hedding Law Firm, our Los Angeles DUI attorneys and lawyers are well aware of the different types of field sobriety tests that are used across the nation today. These tests are often inaccurate and have many flaws. It is very easy for someone who is not intoxicated to fail theses tests due to poor instructions, being uncoordinated, nervousness, or having physical ailments or eye problems. Any of these reasons may alter your performance and give a false perception of intoxication to the officer. Under state law you are not legally required to agree to, or perform, any field sobriety tests.
Los Angeles Drunk Driving Attorneys
An experienced and knowledgeable Los Angeles DUI lawyer at the Hedding Law Firm will be able to challenge any type of field sobriety test that may have been administered to you. In addition, if you refused the tests a skilled Los Angeles DUI attorney from our firm can present this lack of evidence to the judge in an effort to have the charges against you dismissed completely. Los Angeles DUI defense attorneys at the Hedding Law Firm truly care about you and your future. They do not want you to become a victim of the criminal court system. Contact the Hedding Law Firm today to schedule a free face to face meeting with an experienced Los Angeles DUI lawyer.
Los Angeles Field Sobriety Tests
• The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test
During this test the officer will instruct you to follow a stimulus with your eyes as the officer looks for jerking of your eyes. The sooner your eyes start jerking the higher the intoxication levels.
• The Walk and Turn Test
For this test the officer will instruct you to stand on a straight line and take nine steps in each direction. The officer will look for whether or not you start to soon, stop to soon, sway, have balance issues, stop while walking, are unable to touch heel-to-toe, unable to turn correctly, use arms to balance, step off the line or have a general inability to follow instructions correctly.
• The One Leg Stand Test
To perform this test you will be instructed to raise one foot about 6 inches off the ground for 30 seconds with your arms down at your side. The officer will look for signs of intoxication during this test such as swaying or an inability to stay still.
There are several other field sobriety tests that can be issued in addition to the above. They may include reciting the alphabet, counting backwards, finger to nose test, Rhomberg balance test, and hand-pat test or finger-tap test. Our Los Angeles DUI attorneys represent driving under the influence cases in any California courthouse, including: Los Angeles Metro Court, LAX Court, Van Nuys Court, San Fernando Court, Malibu Court, Sylmar Court, Alhambra Court, Central Arraignment Court, Beverly Hills Court, Burbank Court, Glendale Court, Hollywood Court, Pasadena Court, Pomona Court, Torrance Court and Santa Clarita Court. Contact a Los Angeles DUI attorney at our firm today to get started!
Questions about field sobriety tests for DUI? Contact us today!