Colorado Lawyers Challenging the Accuracy of Field Sobriety Testing
When a vehicle is pulled over for suspected DUI, law enforcement officers perform a serious of roadside tests on the driver known as field sobriety tests. Although officers are trained to administer to accurately administer these tests, human error can greatly impact the results. An innocent person may face serious DUI consequences due to an officer's error in judgment or inability to adequately perform field sobriety tests.
If you've been charged with DUI in the Denver area, you do not have to risk your future by pleading guilty. At the law firm of Charles L. Fife & Associates, PC, we aggressively defend the rights of those accused of driving under the influence. Our criminal defense attorneys are not afraid to challenge the results of field sobriety testing. This often leads a dismissal or reduction of the charges against you.
Call our offices today at 303-872-0539 or toll free at 877-690-4812 for a free consultation about your options for DUI defense.
The Field Sobriety Testing Procedure
When a driver is stopped for suspicion of DUI, he or she will be subject to a number of mental and psychical tests performed by a law enforcement officer. These tests, developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), typically occur in the following order:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test (HGN): This test measures the movement of the eye as the driver and visually follows an object from left to right. If the eye bounces, drugs or alcohol might be present in the driver's system.
- Walk the Line test: This test measures balance. The driver walks nine steps in each direction along a particular marked line. If the driver steps off the line, raises his arms, misses heel to tow or improperly turns he or she may be intoxicated.
- One Leg Stand test: A driver must balance on one foot for a total of 30 seconds. If intoxicated, hes or she is more likely to lose balance, raise his arms, sways or drops the other leg.
Although the NHTSA recommends these three tests officers often choose to perform additional testing procedures pertaining to coordination and mental ability. He or she may also administer a preliminary breathalyzer test (PBT) to give an indication of a driver's blood alcohol content.
Contact Charles L. Fife & Associates, PC
Field sobriety tests are subjective and left to the scrutiny of the officer performing them. Charges should be based on hard evidence and not left to someone's interpretation. Call our offices at 303-872-0539 or toll free at 877-690-4812 today to schedule a free consultation. You may also e-mail us now to request an appointment or to receive more information
