Field Sobriety Test DUI Defense Attorney In Santa Monica

What Happens On A Field Sobriety Test?

When you have been arrested for DUI, you may have been given a field sobriety test by the law enforcement officer on the scene. The results of those tests  can vary significantly. Many people don't realize that this is a vital part of our investigation and it should not be left to guesswork. It is vital that you have any field sobriety tests assessed by an experienced DUI defense attorney.

Although there are a number of various tests that are administered as field sobriety tests there are only three that are considered "standard":

• The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN)  - Nystagmus is a term from the medical field that indicates an involuntary jerking movement of the eyes. The officer will have you follow a moving object such as a finger or a pen to see if your eyes follow smoothly or if there is an increase in movement of the eyeballs due to an influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Walk-and-turn -The officer will have you take 9 steps heel-to-toe, then turn around walk back in the same fashion. The officer will look for a lack of balance during the procedure.
• One-legged stand - The officer will have you hold one foot off the ground and hold it to see if you can maintain balance smoothly.

Even those these tests are considered "standard" they are flawed in that they are subjective.  A police officer's opinion can be swayed , in addition to the possibility the tests were not conducted exactly per protocol.  Additionally, you should know that these tests are not mandatory and you do not have to submit to them per California law.

Los Angeles DUI Defense Attorney Can Assess The Field Sobriety Test

Even if you have submitted to a field sobriety test, this doesn't necessarily mean the results of the test can be used against you in court. Contact us at Cron, Israels & Stark and have an experienced DUI defense lawyer review the facts of your case, including any administered field sobriety tests. These tests can be challenged as well as the fact that the officer must have had "reasonable suspicion" as to why they pulled you over in the first place.