Field Sobriety Tests and DUI

DUI Defense Attorney in Chicago Area

After a traffic stop by a police officer who suspects a person of driving under the influence (DUI) one of the first things they will do after they pull you over is ask you to step out of your vehicle. By careful observation, an officer will determine whether you might be intoxicated and will likely conduct field sobriety tests on you. There are many of these such tests, but only three that are recognized as Standardized Field Sobriety Tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These are:

One Leg Stand
A driver must stand with one leg raised about six inches off the ground and maintain their balance, used to check a person's coordination and balance.

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus
A person is asked to follow a light or object with their eyes back and forth. A person has alcohol in their system, there is normally an involuntary jerky movement of the eyes from side to side.

Walk and Turn
A person is asked to walk heel to toe in a certain direction for a set number of steps, then turn around and repeat the procedure. The officer evaluates the person's ability to follow the instructions, their balance and coordination in doing so.

If you have been stopped for DUI, contact a Chicago DUI defense attorney right away to begin the process of defending you against the charges.

Challenging the Field Sobriety Test

Although these tests may be an aid to an officer, they can easily be challenged in court. If the officer did not follow the exact procedure required during the administration of these tests, they can be disputed as valid evidence. A driver having a medical or physical condition that could affect the outcome of these tests can also be brought to bear when fighting your DUI charges.

At my firm, the Law Offices of Mitch Furman, I know all of the possible legal challenges for DUI and for fighting field sobriety tests. I will work hard to get your charges reduced or dismissed and will give you the personal attention you deserve.

Contact a Chicago DUI defense lawyer to find out more about how to fight your field sobriety test results.