Field Sobriety Tests in Tampa, FL

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A primary method of determining the intoxication level of a person stopped for suspected DUI is the field sobriety test. The field sobriety test is actually composed of several small tests, and these tests can vary somewhat from state to state. However, there are three tests that are considered "standard" amongst all the states in the nation, and these are:

• The Walk-and-Turn - In this test, a law enforcement officer has the individual who has been stopped walk nine steps in a heel-to-toe manner, turn around, and then walk back in the same manner. This test establishes balance, or the lack of it.
• The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (or HGN) - The term "nystagmus" refers to the phenomena of an involuntary jerking motion in the eyes. The HGN involves the officer having the individual follow a pen or other similar object with their eyes to judge whether they are following the object smoothly, or whether their eyes are jerking while doing so due to being intoxicated.
• The One-Leg Stand - In this test, the officer has the individual stand on one leg for a certain amount of time to determine if their balance has been affected by alcohol.

As can be seen, these tests are by no means scientific in their nature, and their results depend a great deal on the opinion of the arresting officer. If you are facing DUI charges due to the results of a field sobriety test, it is recommended you contact a Tampa DUI lawyer, as they will be able to challenge the validity of the test to your possible benefit.

Have you been arrested because of a field sobriety test?

The Law Office of Timothy Hessinger is well-versed in dealing with all aspects of drunk driving cases, from challenging field sobriety test results to assisting those who have been arrested at a sobriety checkpoint. Contact us today about your DUI arrest, and we will fully review the results of your test to determine if any errors or inaccuracies are present, and possibly utilize those to your advantage in your case. If you have been charged based on a field sobriety test, contact a Tampa DUI lawyer for professional legal defense in your case.