Aggressive Phoenix DUI Defense Attorneys
Field Sobriety Tests in Arizona
Field sobriety tests are basically physical agility tests. They are extremely unreliable and have been the subject of much controversy over the years. A field sobriety test is designed to test your “divided attention” in order to determine whether or not you may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are several factors that can affect these tests, such as physical ailments, weight issues and vision problems, to name a few. When you are pulled over for suspected DUI (driving under the influence), you have the right to decline field sobriety testing. Regardless of whether or not you performed any type of field sobriety test, a Phoenix DUI attorney at Beauchamp Law Office can still help. We will work to dispute and challenge these tests and your test results in an effort to have them dismissed from your case.
The following is a list of field sobriety tests that law enforcement may ask you to perform if you are under suspicion of DUI:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test:
During this test a law enforcement officer will position an object about 12 inches away from your face and move the object from side to side. At the same time the officer will watch your eyes for any involuntary jerking or trembling of your eyeball. If your eyeballs jerk or tremble, this is considered to be a sign that you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The officer will ask you to take nine heel-to-toe steps in a straight line, on a flat surface. You then must turn and take nine heel-to-toe steps back. This may be repeated several times. Law enforcement wants to see if you balance steadily, follow instructions, leave space between your heel and toe, step off the line or lose balance while turning.
You will be instructed to stand with your heels together, arms at your side. You will then be asked to raise one leg six inches off the ground while you count out loud until law enforcement calls for you to stop. Law enforcement is looking for tremors of the body, muscle tension, arm raising, swaying of the body, hopping, putting your foot down, inability to stand still and/or any statements you make while testing.
You may also be asked to perform other field sobriety tests that may include: the finger to nose test, Rhomberg balance test, finger tapping, hand clapping, counting backwards, or reciting the alphabet. In addition, you may be asked to perform a Preliminary Breath Test, also called the PBT test. It is a portable breath test used to determine the presence of alcohol. Failure to accurately perform a field sobriety test can result in your arrest for driving under the influence, along with the confiscation of your Arizona driver’s license.
Disputing Field Sobriety Test Results in Phoenix, Arizona
If you perform field sobriety tests and are arrested for driving under the influence, an experienced Phoenix DUI defense lawyer can protect your legal rights. At Beauchamp Law Office, we offer outstanding legal guidance and representation for drivers accused of DUI in and around the Maricopa County cities of Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Glendale and Chandler, Arizona.
At Beauchamp Law Office, we understand the issues that surround field sobriety tests. As professional Phoenix DUI defense attorneys we have been able to challenge these tests and have had their results dismissed entirely. This, under certain circumstances, can even result in DUI charges being dropped by the State for lack of evidence.
If you want a knowledgeable DUI defense attorney who will fight for you, then Contact a Phoenix DUI attorney at Beauchamp Law Office today!
Arrested for driving under the influence in Arizona? Contact a defense lawyer at Beauchamp Law Office today! |