DUI and Field Sobriety Tests

After people have been pulled over for suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) in Phoenix, a few things will happen.  First, officers will look for signs of impairment, such as blood shot eyes or slurred speech.  If officers notice signs of impairment, they will usually ask drivers to take a breath test.  They will also ask drivers to perform field sobriety tests.

Decades ago, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration came up with a series of agility tests that were meant to show whether or not people were impaired by drugs and/or alcohol.  Today, most law enforcement officers administer three field sobriety tests:  the one-leg stand, the horizontal gaze nystagmus and the walk and turn.

When people are performing these tests, officers watch for signs that may be indicative of impairment such as people failing to follow instructions, people wobbling or people having overall difficult completing tests.  If officers believe people have failed the FSTs, they may choose to make DUI arrests.

Were you arrested for DUI in Phoenix because you failed your field sobriety tests?  If you said "yes", contact the Knowles Law Firm to discuss your case with a Phoenix DUI lawyer.