Field Sobriety Tests
Being pulled over for suspected DWI can be one of the most frightening things to experience on the road. Regardless of whether you have had zero drinks or ten drinks, the whole situation can make you nervous and uncomfortable, especially when asked to perform a series of tests to determine if you have been drinking.
Have you failed a field sobriety test? Contact an experienced DWI lawyer to discuss your options
Field sobriety tests are made to determine if you are over the legal limit or not. They are objective tests which mean that the police officer administering the tests will be in charge of determining the results. Because of this, field sobriety tests rarely hold up in court on their own. However, in many instances, if you fail a field sobriety test, you will be arrested for suspicion of DWI and asked to take a breathalyzer, urine or blood test to confirm their suspicions. It is your legal right to refuse to take any of these tests; however, there are legal consequences involved if you do refuse. If you are pulled over and unsure if you should agree to the tests or not then contact a Minnesota DWI attorney right away. Judith Samson is available 24/7 and can help you determine your best defense.
There are three standardized field sobriety tests used on the roads of Minnesota including:
- The Horizontal Gaze – an officer observes the driver’s eye movements when asked to follow an object from side to side
- The Walk and Turn – an officer observes the driver’s ability to balance while walking and turning
- The One Leg Stand – an officer observes the driver’s ability to balance while standing on one leg.
- Additional tests such as walking backwards and reciting the alphabet
All of these tests are meant to test the intoxication level of the driver. However, as mentioned above, these tests are objective and must be administered correctly in order to be considered evidence.
If you have been given a field sobriety test and failed, all is not lost.
Nerves, fatigue and confusion can all play an important role in why you have failed the tests. It is important to retain the services of an experienced Minneapolis DWI lawyer as soon as possible. Just because the police officer suspects that you have been drinking does not mean you will automatically be found guilty. A suspicion based on a field sobriety test is often not enough to warrant a conviction.
Call Judith Samson, Minnesota DWI Lawyer at 612-333-8001 Today!
Field sobriety tests are not set in stone. With the right Minneapolis DWI lawyer, you could be able to waive the charges and walk away with a clean slate. It all depends on your situation, your representation and what county court you are facing.
For fast, effective and aggressive legal representation, contact experienced Minneapolis DWI attorney Judith Samson 24/7 at 612-333-8001.
