Field Sobriety Testing
What are Fields Sobriety Tests? If an officer pulls you over on a DWI suspicion, you may be asked to perform a type of test that examines your coherence both physically and mentally. These tests, known as Fields Sobriety Tests, are meant to test your level of sobriety. If you have trouble with these tests, then you may be arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI).
There are a number of different tests arresting officers will use to determine whether a driver is intoxicated including:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagus Test – the officer attempts to estimate the angle at which the eye begins to jerk. If the eye jerks sooner than 45 degrees, it suggests a blood alcohol content of .05 or higher
- Walk and Turn Test – the driver will need to perform a serious of simple physical movements to test their impairment
- One Leg Stand Test – standing on one leg will test your balance. If the driver cannot balance on one leg, then it is suggested that he is intoxicated
- Additional tests such as counting backwards, following a flashlight with your eye and walking in a straight line.
An arrest is not a guilty sentence – make sure your rights are protected by getting help right from an experienced Minneapolis criminal lawyer right away!
There are a number of criticisms with these tests. For one, they are subjective. Furthermore, there is no scientific evidence to prove these tests are accurate. You may not walk in a straight line because you are nervous. You may have trouble counting backwards because you are tired. You may have trouble balancing because you have a sore leg. A Minneapolis DWI lawyer can work on your behalf to ensure that these inaccurate tests do not result in a conviction.
Breathalyzer, Urine and Blood Sample Tests
Once you have been arrested, you could also be asked to take a test that checks your blood alcohol content level such as breathalyzer tests, urine samples and blood tests. However, it is important to remember that even the breathalyzer, urine and blood tests can be inaccurate.
An experienced Minneapolis DWI lawyer will be able to assess your case and determine the accuracy of these tests.
There are also always a lot of questions surrounding any DWI arrest. Were your constitutional rights violated? Were you denied the right to an attorney or the right to refuse the blood alcohol content tests? Did the officer have reasonable suspicion of criminal activity to pull you over? Did you take a breathalyzer? Was the machine properly administered? Was the machinery properly maintained? Was the standard DWI arrest protocol followed?
Should I take the Field Sobriety Test? Minneapolis DWI Legal Defense Options
It is your legal right to refuse any test if you feel that this is your best option. If you find yourself in this situation and are unsure whether or not you should take the test, then your best legal defense is to contact a Minneapolis DWI lawyer right away. It does not matter where you are – on the street, at the station, in the car – our Minneapolis DWI lawyer will be available 24/7 to help.
Contact Top-Rated Minneapolis DWI Lawyer, Barry Hogen Today!
Minneapolis criminal lawyer, Barry Hogen has years of experience in DWI cases and can provide you with the legal services you need during this difficult time. For affordable payment options, aggressive representation and confidential legal advice when you need it most, contact Minnesota criminal lawyer, Barry Hogen today at (763) 513-9085.