St. Petersburg DUI Defense Lawyers
Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests are a tool law enforcement officers use to determine whether a person is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If a person fails initial field sobriety tests the officer will most likely ask for a breathalyzer test to determine the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of the driver, and upon finding a BAC of .08% or above, will make an arrest.
Field sobriety tests are not entirely accurate and can be performed improperly to give incorrect results. For instance, a driver may have a medical condition that prohibits him/her from walking in a straight line or a mental condition that limits his/her abilities to say the alphabet backward. In addition, portable breath testing (breathalyzer tests) can be inaccurate due to a number of factors: improper calibration, use, or certification.
Our experienced DUI defense attorneys understand what to look for in improper field sobriety testing, effectively protecting your rights and helping to get evidence suppressed. We are dedicated to helping St. Petersburg and Tampa residents with their DUI cases and use our extensive knowledge and experience in the field to maintain your rights and freedom.
Florida Field Sobriety Test Information
Common field sobriety tests performed in Florida include:
- One-leg stand
- Walk & turn (walking in a straight line, toe to heel)
- Following an object or light with the eyes
- Counting backward
- Finger-to-nose (closing the eyes and touching the nose with the index finger)
- Saying the alphabet backward
- PBT (portable breath test) such as a breathalyzer
If you have been arrested for DUI based on field sobriety tests, our experienced defense attorneys can help. Let us review your testing and make sure none of your rights were violated and that all tests were performed properly. If they weren’t, we can use that to help win your case.
Have you been arrested for DUI in St. Petersburg or Tampa? Contact our offices today!