Field Sobriety Tests

During DUI stops, field sobriety tests can be administered by law enforcement officials as they try to assess whether a person seems to be intoxicated. While field sobriety tests can be effective gauges of intoxication, however, these tests are not always accurate, nor are they always administered appropriately.

Standardized Field Sobriety Tests

The following table provides an overview of the three tests that comprise the battery of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) compiled by safety officials at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

 

Standardized Field Sobriety Test What It Involves Failing the Test Accuracy in Assessing Intoxication*
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test Visually tracking an object (like a pen) while it is moved from side to side in front of your face Not smoothly following the object with your eyes;

Distinct eye jerking movements;

More pronounced eye jerking when looking towards the center

88%
Walk-and-Turn Test Walking heel-to-toe along a straight line and then turning around on one foot and returning the same way An inability to balance; not touching heels to toes while walking; stepping off of the line; otherwise not following directions; excessively using arms to balance 79%
One-Leg Stand Test Balancing on one leg with the other foot held above the ground while counting aloud by the thousands (i.e., one thousand-one, one thousand-two, etc.) An inability to balance; putting one’s foot down; swaying while balancing; excessively using one’s arms to balance; hopping to try to stay balanced 83%

*Note that percentages provided in this column indicate how likely a given test is to accurately classify someone as sober or intoxicated, according to NHTSA regulators.

What You Should Know about Field Sobriety Tests

While field sobriety tests can be effective gauges of intoxication, they are not always as objective, standard or accurate as you may think. Here’s why. Call us for the best DUI defense.

While field sobriety tests can be effective gauges of intoxication, they are not always as objective, standard or accurate as you may think. Here’s why. Call us for the best DUI defense.

While SFSTs can be effective and telling, here’s what you should know about field sobriety tests:

  • They aren’t mandatory – In other words, you have the right to refuse to submit to these tests, and you can do so without any immediate penalties (like drivers’ license suspensions). In fact, if you think you may “fail” field sobriety tests, it’s usually a good idea to refuse them so that you don’t give officers more potential evidence against you.
  • They are not as standard and objective as you may think – While the SFSTs in the table above are standard, officers can generally use whatever field sobriety tests they want during DUI stops. This means that not everyone is subjected to the same testing, and tests outside of the SFSTs may even be administered. Additionally, while drivers submitting to these tests will have “points” deducted for doing things wrong, they don’t usually get credit for doing things right. This fact can make these tests even more biased against drivers.
  • “Failing” them doesn’t automatically result in DUI conviction – Given the possible issues with field sobriety tests, people accused of DUIs should know that there are various defense strategies for mitigating the impact of failing these tests. For instance, pointing out inconsistencies in testing or maybe even health issues people have that may impact their performance can be effective defense arguments.

Broomfield and Boulder DUI Defense Attorneys at Peter Loyd Weber & Associates

Have you or a loved one been charged with a DUI? If so, the Broomfield and Boulder DUI defense attorneys at the Peter Loyd Weber & Associates are here for you. Experienced and trusted, our lawyers are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system while helping you resolve your case as favorably as possible.

To talk about your best DUI defense options and how we can help you, call us today at (720) 863-7755 or email us using the contact form on this page.  We offer complimentary consultations, and we take pride in always being available to our clients – 24 hours per day, 7 days per week – so that they have the personal attention their case deserves.

From our offices based in Northglenn, Broomfield and Boulder, we provide the strongest defense and highest quality legal services to our clients throughout Weld County, Adams County and the state of Colorado.