The field sobriety tests are designed by law enforcement to assist in determining whether a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These exercises are intended to evaluate a person’s “normal faculties.” They are quite difficult to pass for anyone, even without drinking a drop of alcohol. Further, the conditions in which an officer administers the roadside tests are far from ideal. The side of the road in the middle of the night with high winds and traffic blazing past is not a favorable environment for someone — drunk or sober — to stand and balance on one leg.

If you have been charged with DUI, it is in your best interest to contact us as soon as possible.

At Moses and Rooth Attorneys at Law, our Florida DUI lawyers are former prosecutors with a commitment to criminal justice matters. We have a wealth of experience with DUI cases to help you with any issues arising from field sobriety tests.

The four most common field sobriety tests are:

  • The horizontal gaze nystagmus: In this test, the officer will move a finger back and forth in front of your face to watch how well your eyes track a slow-moving object.
  • The walk-and-turn: This test involves walking heel to toe, in one direction for multiple steps, turning 180 degrees on one heel and returning to the starting point in the same manner.
  • The one-legged stand: This test involves standing on one foot for 30 seconds or more.
  • The finger-to-nose: This test will require following the instructions of the officer to use the tip of your finger on your right or left hand to touch the tip of your nose.

Our Orlando Field Sobriety Test Defense Attorneys Can Help

These tests are a lot more difficult than they may seem at first, and many people would struggle to pass these tests sober. The conditions for taking the tests are usually terribly unfavorable for the driver, and performance judgments are made subjectively by the arresting officer on the scene.