Other Field Sobriety Tests
Tampa DUI Lawyer
Though Standardized Field Sobriety Tests are in place to offer law enforcement officers more accurate means of determining intoxication in the event that they suspect drunk driving, there are other non-standardized
field sobriety tests that may be administered after a driver is pulled over. In these cases, it is important to remember that you have the right to politely refuse these tests. If you choose to perform any field sobriety tests, the officer’s analysis of your performance may be used as evidence against you in court. Fortunately an experienced
Tampa DUI attorney can work to
challenge the outcome of standardized and non-standardized field sobriety tests. These must be administered in a specific way and graded in a particular manner. Even when they are administered in accordance with standard procedure, they are not 100% accurate. A skilled lawyer may be able to effectively challenge their validity to positively impact the outcome of your case.
Non-Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and DUI in Tampa
The following are examples of other field sobriety tests that may be administered (other than the standardized tests: Walk and Turn,
One-Leg Stand and
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus):
- Recite the alphabet or a part of the alphabet
- Recite the alphabet backwards
- Count backwards
- Stand with feet together while tipping the head backward
- Count the number of fingers raised by the officer
- Finger-to-nose test: close the eyes and touch the nose with the finger
- Hand-pat test: extend a hand, palm upward. Place the other hand on top of the first hand, palm downward. Rotate the upper hand and pat the lower hand with the front and then the back of the hand.
Depending on the type of test administered, the manner in which it is conducted and graded and a number of other factors, your attorney may be able to prove its invalidity. To learn more about how field sobriety testing may affect your case, contact a Tampa DUI lawyer at Thomas & Paulk today. We are experienced and ready to fight for your rights.