Field Sobriety Tests

Orlando DUI Defense Attorney

Have you been arrested for DUI in Orlando? If so, you were likely asked to submit to field sobriety tests before your arrest. These tests are administered by Orlando law enforcement in order to determine whether a driver's normal abilities are impaired as a result of alcohol and/or a controlled substance. They may gauge a driver's balance, coordination and ability to follow instructions, as well as look for a particular eye condition that may indicate intoxication. Following are the three standardized field sobriety tests and basic descriptions of these:

• Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus: the officer will have the driver follow an object or light with his or her eyes. If the driver's eyes jerk in a side to side motion while following the object, this may be considered to be a sign of severe intoxication.
• Walk and Turn: the officer will have the driver walk in a straight line, heel to toe, for 9 steps and then turn and walk the other way in the same manner. Any difficulty with balance or coordination may be noted as signs of intoxication.
• One Leg Stand: the officer will have the driver stand with one leg raised slightly off the ground, usually while counting. Problems with balance and the ability to follow instructions may be noted.

Additionally, anything a driver says while taking tests, such as, "I couldn't do this if I were sober!" may be noted.

Challenging Field Sobriety Test Results in Orlando

Although you may have been arrested for drunk driving and failed field sobriety tests, this does not mean that you should necessarily be convicted of DUI. An Orlando DUI defense lawyer at our law firm may be able to work with you in order to challenge field sobriety test results and therefore prove that your abilities were not impaired.

Contact a DUI attorney today to discuss your Orlando drunk driving charges.