DUI field sobriety tests (FST’s) are tests that are given to a suspected drunk driver to evaluate impairment. These tests can be very important evidence of impairment and can work for you as well as against you. They are designed to evaluate your physical ability and your mental ability. Your physical performance is important but also so is your ability to follow the instructions
There are four different things including FST’s that are considered in evaluating an individuals ability to drive. They include the observed driving, the breath or blood test, field sobriety test performance and the observable objective symptoms of intoxication. Field sobriety tests usually include following the officer’s pen with your eyes, one leg stand, finger to nose, estimating 30 seconds with head back and eyes closed, heel to toe walking, alphabet, finger count and hand pat. You may be given some or all of these tests, and even though many people think they did great, very few actually pass. There are a number of details in each of the tests which are closely watched and descrepancies noted.
Everyone who gets pulled over and tested differs from the others in age, physical ability and mental ability, the test is somewhat subjective based on the officer’s training and experience. They do not have a baseline for each indidvidual to know how they perform with no alcohol or drugs in their system, but the results can further support other evidence of impairment when considered as a whole. Expereinced DUI Defense lawyers like Christoph Law Offices have handled over 3000 DUI cases and know how to use and/or explain the FST’s in their best light in negotiating or trying these cases. Call Attorneys Nicholas or William Christoph at 760-941-5720 for a free consultation, they have been located across from Vista Courts for over 30 years.
