When police suspect someone of driving under the influence (DUI), they gather evidence during traffic stops. Officers often ask questions aimed at justifying an arrest and may request that drivers perform field sobriety exercises.
Before giving these requests, officers usually ask drivers to step out of the vehicle. From there, they may administer a series of standardized exercises designed to look for signs of intoxication.
Many people believe that agreeing to field sobriety exercises will help clear them. In reality, these exercises often provide officers with the justification they need to make an arrest. Knowing the following three facts about field sobriety exercises can help you protect your rights during traffic stops and post-crash investigations.
There Are Three Standardized Exercises
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), officers are trained to use three standardized field sobriety exercises:
- Horizontal gaze nystagmus
- Walk-and-turn
- One-leg stand
Police receive instruction on how to administer these properly, and the process is often recorded on video. That footage may later be used as evidence in court.
Exercises Aren’t Always Accurate
While prosecutors often rely on field sobriety exercises to suggest impairment, they are not foolproof. People can fail for reasons that have nothing to do with alcohol or drugs, including:
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Difficulty understanding instructions
- Medical or physical conditions
This means that even a completely sober driver can appear “impaired” based on these subjective evaluations.
Exercises Are Optional
Drivers are not legally required to perform field sobriety exercises. Officers cannot force motorists to do them prior to an arrest. You have the right to politely decline. (Chemical testing after an arrest is governed by different rules, and refusing those tests carries separate consequences.)
Bottom line
Field sobriety exercises are designed to help officers build a case against you, not to clear you. Understanding your rights can prevent unnecessary arrests. And if you are facing DUI charges, an experienced criminal defense attorney can challenge the accuracy and validity of these exercises to protect your future.
Get In Touch Today
You deserve to have a skilled legal DUI lawyer in your corner. Contact the Lee Viacava Law Firm today and learn how a lawyer can help you combat DUI charges and put this matter behind you. Call 239-672-8934 or complete the online form to arrange your free consultation.