Field Sobriety Tests in Tampa, FL

Did You Fail A Tampa, Florida, Field Sobriety Test?

Let Our DUI Defense Attorneys in Tampa, Florida Defend Your Rights

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of alcohol and drugs is one of the common reasons motorists are ticketed and arrested in Tampa. However, law enforcement must establish probable cause before apprehending anyone for DUI. To ensure a valid arrest, police officers often depend on a series of exercises to determine the driver’s degree of impairment. These tests, commonly used as evidence of an arrestee’s intoxication, are called Field Sobriety Tests (FST).

Field sobriety tests, however, have been the subject of debates in many DUI proceedings in Tampa. This is due to allegations that the exercises are subjective and should not be relied on as proof of a suspect’s guilt. The DUI defense attorneys at Taracks & Associates strongly uphold this point of view. As such, we’re happy to help individuals with DUI charges escape conviction by challenging the validity of their FST results.

 

What Are Field Sobriety Tests?

Understanding the Types of Field Sobriety Tests in Tampa, Florida

As mentioned above, field sobriety tests are an umbrella name for various techniques police officers employ to find probable cause for a DUI arrest. The standardized FSTs include:

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test 

During an HGN test, the officer watches out for involuntary jerkings (nystagmus) in your eyes as you gaze to the side. To ensure that you’re doing it right, you’ll often be asked to follow the direction of a moving object. Nystagmus can occur naturally in some individuals, especially when they fix their gaze at an extreme angle. However, alcohol intoxication often exacerbates it, making it more pronounced even with a slight eye movement.

Walk-and-Turn Test 

The walk-and-turn test is a simple test that assesses numerous signs of alcohol impairment, especially imbalance. To do this, the officer will ask you to take 9 heel-to-toe steps in a straight line and turn back the same way. Then, they watch out for signs such as missteps and stepping out of the line.

One-Leg Stand Test 

This test begins with the suspect standing with one foot about 6 inches above the ground. While doing this, the individual is to count aloud until the officer is satisfied. The one-leg test is used to determine the person’s balance and attention. Hopping, balancing the feet with the arms, and swaying are common indicators of impairment using this test.

Note: Other field sobriety tests have yet to be uniformly accepted as a valid means of gauging impairment. However, some officers prefer to use them for this purpose. They include the finger-to-nose test, the Romberg balance test, and the alphabet recitation test.

Analyzing the Validity or Reliability of Field Sobriety Tests

Does A Typical Field Sobriety Test in Tampa, Florida Have Its Limitations?

As mentioned earlier, the validity and reliability of field sobriety tests have always been in dispute. Although the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has standardized some of them, they’re never 100% reliable. This is true even when the tests are combined and administered according to acceptable standards/procedures.

In summary, FSTs are subjective, and a lot depends on the officer’s interpretation of events. Environment, physical, medical, and psychological conditions also significantly affect how well a person will do in the tests. For example, a person’s weight, age, and injuries can affect their mobility and balance while undergoing the tests.

Typical Questions Clients Ask Regarding Field Sobriety Tests in Tampa, FL

Our Tampa DUI Defense Attorneys Address Common Concerns

Anyone facing a criminal charge in Tampa, Florida, deserves to understand the nuances of their case. This ensures that they make well-informed decisions at all times. As such, we’ve compiled answers to the most common confusing areas regarding field sobriety tests in Tampa. Find them below:

Can I Refuse a Field Sobriety Test in Florida? 

Yes. Although you may feel uncomfortable refusing a field sobriety test, you’re not legally required to subject yourself to such impairment exercises. Also, your refusal to obey an officer’s request for FSTs alone shouldn’t lead to your arrest or license suspension. However, this may lead them to request a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) test (which is mandatory under Florida’s Implied Consent law).

How Can I Challenge a Field Sobriety Test Result? 

Our DUI defense lawyers can challenge an FST’s validity by questioning the test’s administration. Field sobriety tests can also become invalid due to external factors such as road conditions, inclement weather, and road conditions. Depending on your case’s specifics, we can also argue that the officer’s subjective judgment affected the accuracy of the test.

What Happens If I Fail a Field Sobriety Test? 

FSTs are not scientific tests and are often not used as conclusive evidence that you committed a DUI offense. So, you should have little to worry about if the prosecution’s case is strongly built on the results of field sobriety tests. However, failed FSTs are often only a precursor to other, more reliable tests, which can help to build a strong case against you.

Why Should I Work with a DUI Defense Lawyer?

Our DUI defense attorneys play vital roles in ensuring the best outcome in your case. For example, we’re skilled at identifying the flaws in your case and leveraging them to push for a case dismissal. We’re also in the best position to protect (and inform you of) your rights through the DUI process.

 

Call the Tampa DUI Defense Lawyers at Taracks & Associates Now!

 Your Freedom and Future Are Our Priorities

Have you been arrested or charged with DUI in Tampa, Florida? Don’t attempt to handle the complexities of your case without the experience of our results-driven DUI defense lawyers. At Taracks & Associates, there’s nothing we do better than advocating for your rights. We’ll shield you from the consequences of a DUI conviction by ensuring that you enjoy unparalleled legal representation throughout your case.