Field Sobriety Tests

When a police officer pulls one over and suspects the individual is driving under the influence (DUI), one of the ways the officer will attempt to confirm their suspicions is through the use of a field sobriety test. If one has been given a field sobriety test and subsequently arrested for DUI it is imperative for your defense that you obtain the help of an accomplished Provo criminal defense attorney who deals with DUI cases.

Although there are a number of various procedures used to test sobriety in the field, there are only three that are considered "standard". They include:

• The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) - Nystagmus is a medical term defined as an involuntary oscillation of the eyes. The officer has 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 the oscillation. Increased oscillation can be assigned to the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Walk-and-turn -The officer will look for balance or a lack of it by having you walk heel-to-toe for 9 steps, turn around and then walk back the same way.
• One-legged stand - The officer will have you stand and then will have you hold one foot off the ground about 6 inches in order to see if you can maintain a smooth balance.

A skilled and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer with the Zabriskie Law Firm will thoroughly review the circumstances surrounding your field sobriety test in order to determine what errors have been made in the procedure as a possible option for your defense.

Defending Field Sobriety Tests: Provo Criminal Defense Lawyer

Although the field sobriety test is used in almost every case of suspected DUI, they can often be challenged and not allowed as evidence in court. The tests can be done incorrectly or the person simply not certified. Also, there are other reasons such as medical problems that could produce the same effects that one would see on a "positive" test for being under the influence. These are all aspects that need to be fully investigated by the legal team from the Zabriskie Law Firm and can be used in your defense.

Contact a Provo DUI Defense Lawyer if you have been arrested for DUI following a field sobriety test. A qualified member of our team will investigate the specifics and fight for your defense.