A DUI investigation is not just about whether you have had a few drinks— it involves more than simply determining a person’s blood alcohol content (BAC). Standard Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) are administered to assess a driver’s physical and cognitive abilities, which can significantly impact the outcome of a case.
These tests are designed to detect impairment and provide evidence for law enforcement. Understanding the details of what goes in an SFST can save you if you are facing such charges.
Understanding Standard Field Sobriety Tests
Back in the late 1970s, it was clear that something had to be done about the alarming rate of fatal accidents linked to drunk driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) developed what we now refer to as the Standard Field Sobriety Tests.
Originally starting with about 16 different tests, NHTSA refined them to just three key ones – horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk-and-turn, and one-legged stand. These field sobriety tests are meant to mimic the kind of multitasking necessary for safe driving by checking both mental alertness and physical balance.
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus
“You probably have seen officers flash a light in someone’s eyes during a DUI stop. The purpose is to check for horizontal gaze nystagmus,” says Minnesota criminal defense lawyer Omeed Berenjian of BK Law Group.
The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test tests involuntary eye jerking that becomes exaggerated under the influence. The officer will ask you to follow an object with your eyes, like a pen or flashlight, to watch how smoothly they track movement.
Walk-and-Turn
This test is to check if you can walk the line at sobriety checkpoints. You will take nine steps, heel-to-toe, along a straight line, then turn on one foot and return in the same manner. It assesses balance, coordination, and ability to follow directions—all crucial for driving.
One-Legged Stand
Standing on one leg might seem easy until you try it under pressure. In this test, you must lift one foot about six inches off the ground and count aloud until told to stop (roughly 30 seconds). Officers are scrutinizing your balancing act here.
Consequences of Failing Field Sobriety Tests
If the pavement feels more like a tightrope during those field sobriety tests, failing them can give an officer reasonable cause to think you might be driving under the influence.
However, these tests alone are not the be-all and end-all proof of intoxication. They have flaws—nerves, fatigue, or even medical conditions can skew results. So, after a stumble or two, officers will escalate to more concrete evidence, such as breathalyzer tests or blood tests, to firmly establish a DUI charge.
Navigating Test Refusals in Connecticut
In Connecticut, saying no to field sobriety tests is your right. While refusing these tests might spare you some immediate inconvenience, it is not without its downsides—it can lead to arrest and potential legal repercussions.
Taking it a step further, rejecting a chemical test (like blood or breath analysis) escalates things considerably. Under Connecticut’s implied consent law, such refusal can lead to license suspension and other penalties, making it crucial to weigh the consequences before deciding whether to comply with these requests during a DUI stop.
Getting tangled in a DUI arrest is a serious matter, and looping in a criminal lawyer swiftly can really steer things in your favor. The earlier you can involve them, the better.
Source: BK-Lawgroup.com
