Orange County DUI Attorney Explains Field Sobriety Testing

Whenever you hear or read about a California DUI arrest or a DUI sobriety checkpoint, the phrase "field sobriety test" is often included. But what is a field sobriety test exactly? Our Orange County DUI Attorney want you to know what these tests involve, how they affect you and how hiring a reputable attorney can benefit you in your specific DUI case. What is a Orange County DUI Field Sobriety Test? A field sobriety test, or FST as it is often called, is a system of determining whether a motorist is under the influence of alcohol and or drugs. These tests have been developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and are often administered by an arresting officer either during a routine traffic stop or during a DUI sobriety checkpoint. Field sobriety tests are designed to test the subject's ability to perform simple mental and physical multitasking skills. What different types of field sobriety tests are there? There are several different types of driving under the influence FSTs that an officer may as a motorist he suspects has been driving under the influence. The most common test often depicted in movies is the "walk-and-turn"; this test measures an individual's ability to follow directions and walk in a straight line. Other types include the "horizontal gaze nystagmust test" (where you are asked to follow an object with your eyes only), the "alphabet test" (where you may be asked to recite part of the alphabet) or even a counting test (where you must count backwards from a certain number, either odds or evens or any other combination) just to name a few. How do FSTs affect you? Although most arresting officers claim to be trained in administering DUI field sobriety test, most tests and results are based heavily on the officer's own opinion. Because of this, even if you believe you have passed the field sobriety test, an officer might arrest you due to the fact that they suspect you are under the influence. On top of this, being asked to perform a field sobriety test in Orange County can be nerve-wracking in of itself even if you haven't been drinking. The way you may react to being put on the spot may result in an officer believing you have been driving drunk and you could be arrested. How can a DUI attorneys can help? Our Orange County DUI Lawyers have all been trained in administering DUI field sobriety test, know the guidelines that are associated with the way they should be administered and are ready to subpoena and question your arresting officer. Our attorneys are devoted to getting you the best possible results in your specific DUI case, whether this is your first time Orange County DUI offense or you are being charged with a felony DUI in Orange County. Fill out our free Orange County DUI evaluation form today to have a dedicated attorney contact you directly to discuss the details of your case!