The truth about field sobriety tests

Field sobriety tests were developed under ideal conditions, but the fact is that you won’t be performing them under these conditions. You’ll be nervous. The road might not be smooth. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, even slight variations from ideal conditions can affect the accuracy of the test results. Also, if an officer is asking you to perform field sobriety tests, he already suspects that you’re drunk. That means he’s biased.

You may be asked to perform a field sobriety test under any of the following conditions:

• You’re nervous and scared of being arrested.
• You’re tired because you had a long day or it’s late.
• Under poor lighting or weather conditions.
• Standing on an uneven surface.
• You’re distracted by passing traffic.
• The officer left his strobe lights on.
• The officer doesn’t administer the tests in the prescribed manner.

The ideal conditions are to perform these tests while you’re fully awake, on a flat and even surface, with an officer who knows what he’s doing.

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We understand that a drunk driving conviction is not an option for you. At The Wilder Firm, we strive for all our clients to be found NOT GUILTY. For a quick response or free evaluation of your DUI/DWI arrest, please contact our Texas drunk driving attorneys at 469-227-0772.