Law enforcement officers employ field sobriety tests (FSTs) to assess your physical and cognitive capabilities if the officer suspects that you are driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI). The purpose of these tests is to gauge your level of intoxication as measured by your balance and coordination, your mood and your physical appearance. The administering officer also looks at your capacity to follow directions.
Although they are commonly utilized, the dependability of FSTs remains questionable. The officer’s judgment is inherently subjective, shaped by various factors such as unfavorable weather conditions, your heightened anxiety, a physical impairment or poor street/sidewalk surfaces. Any or all of these circumstances bring an element of uncertainty to the accuracy of the test.
Must you submit to an FST?
When you are pulled over for suspected drunk driving, the police officer will attempt to persuade you to take a field sobriety test. They want to develop a case to arrest you by establishing probable cause and proof of intoxication. If you are pulled over for suspected drunk driving, you have the right to refuse the field sobriety test.
If you do refuse the FST, the officer will most likely administer a breathalyzer test. The officer can also request that you submit to a chemical test if they believe that you are unfit to drive. The officer will then use the results of these tests to decide whether or not they have established probable cause to charge you with driving while under the influence of alcohol.
What if you are arrested?
If you are arrested for DUI, it is important that you seek guidance to help you navigate the charges. You will want someone knowledgeable by your side to advise you on how best to handle the situation.