When you are stopped by law enforcement for a suspected DUI (driving under the influence), you may be asked to perform one or more of several field sobriety tests. These tests are known as Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). They are used to demonstrate your ability or inability to operate a motor vehicle due to a decreased attention span caused by alcohol or drugs. You have the right to refuse field sobriety tests and in doing so, your driving privileges will not be automatically suspended. Whether or not you have submitted to field sobriety tests, a Phoenix DUI attorney can help to defend your case and contest your charges.
The following are the standard three field sobriety tests that may be administered to you:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN)
During this test you follow a stimulus (object or light) with your eyes so that the officer can measure the angle in which your eye begins to jerk (nystagmus). If this begins sooner than 45 degrees, then it is assumed to indicate a probable BAC (blood alcohol concentration) higher than 0.05%.
This test is used to divide one’s attention between mental and physical tasks. The officer will ask you to take 9 steps each direction on a line. If you are unable to perform one or the other, or both, this indicates that you may be intoxicated.
This tests for a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of 0.10% or higher. You are asked to raise one foot for 30 seconds. If you sway while balancing, use arms for balance, hop, put a foot down or you are unable to perform the tests it is said to indicate severe intoxication.
Arizona Driving Under the Influence Lawyers
All three field sobriety tests have been shown to have a less than 65% accuracy rating and have resulted in many false arrests. They do not measure your intoxication level like breath and blood tests may be able to and are not really clear evidence that you are actually under the influence. Your balance may be off due to a leg injury or any other factor, or your eyes may require the aid of glasses due to poor eyesight. These are only small samples of several factors that can actually affect your ability to perform well on these tests. Therefore, a knowledgeable DUI lawyer can aggressively challenge field sobriety tests due to false results. This would allow for a possible dismissal of the charges you face.
Defending DUI Charges in Phoenix, Arizona
At Beauchamp Law Office, a Phoenix DUI attorney will challenge the driving under the influence charges you face, even if you have agreed to perform field sobriety tests. Our defense attorneys assist clients in the cities and surrounding areas of Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale and Scottsdale, Arizona who have been arrested for driving under the influence. We represent 1st offense DUI, 2nd offense DUI, extreme DUI, felony DUI, 3rd offense DUI, 4th offense DUI, aggravated DUI, multiple offenses and underage DUI. We have been practicing law for over 17 years and have secured outstanding case results for clients facing any type of drunk driving offense. As outstanding DUI lawyers we want to provide you with the successful outcome that you deserve. Contact Beauchamp Law Office today to speak to an experienced DUI attorney!
Arrested for driving under the influence in Phoenix? Contact us today!
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