Field Sobriety Tests In CA
Defense From Los Angeles DUI Attorney Scott Spindel
When you are pulled over on suspicion of DUI, there are many types of tests which may be used to determine if you are intoxicated beyond the legal limit. Many members of law enforcement use field sobriety tests as though they are solid evidence, even though they are quite subjective.
These tests are intended to evaluate your attention and motor skills, but there are a variety of other factors which can affect them besides drinking alcohol. If you have been arrested after performing field sobriety tests, reach out to a Los Angeles DUI attorney from Law Offices of Scott R. Spindel.
Field Sobriety Tests vs. Standardized Field Sobriety Tests
If you are deciding whether or not to submit to these exercises, you should know these tests are highly subjective and only three have been “standardized” and “validated," while the remaining exercises are even more unreliable and unsupported as accurate for the detection of alcohol impairment.
The standardized field sobriety tests include:
- Nystagmus (horizontal and vertical gaze)
- Walk and turn
- One leg stand
Other field sobriety tests which may be used include:
- Rhomberg balance test
- Finger to nose
- Finger count
- Hand pat
- Alphabet test
- Counting test
Do I Have To Submit To Field Sobriety Tests?
No, you do not have to submit to field sobriety tests. What most people don’t know is that these tests are not mandatory, but can lead to your arrest and add to the evidence stacked against you. If you are not educated on your rights, law enforcement officials may use the results of the tests to justify your arrest and to accumulate evidence to be used against you in court or at the DMV.
You do have rights when asked to submit to a field sobriety test and it is often in your best interest to exercise these rights. Since the officer is typically only looking for evidence to back up his or her decision to arrest you, this does not give you good reason to submit.
If you would like to speak with a Los Angeles DUI attorney who is dedicated to your needs and is available to you 24/7/365, please contact our office at (818) 797-9212 .
