Are you wondering about field sobriety tests in Arizona?
Have you consulted an experienced Scottsdale DUI lawyer?
Many of us have seen people undergo field sobriety tests on television or in person when driving down the street or highway. Nobody wants to be in the shoes of an individual being forced to walk in a straight line, balance on one leg, and undergo a number of other tests to determine if there is probable cause to believe the individual is under the influence of alcohol.
While some individuals pulled over by police officers are under the influence of alcohol, many are not. Regardless of whether or not you are under the influence, you still may be required to undergo a field sobriety test. This can be very frightening despite your innocence, and many sober individuals have failed field sobriety tests. Because field sobriety tests are not always the best indicator of whether or not an individual is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is imperative that you have a seasoned advocate representing your rights to the fullest extent possible. Scottsdale DUI lawyers handle DUI cases on a regular basis and can provide you with the legal representation you need to face and overcome a DUI charge.
What Happens During a Field Sobriety Test in Scottsdale?
Scottsdale police officers may choose to pull a driver over if they have reasonable suspicion to believe the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In order to establish whether there is probable cause to arrest the driver, officers may conduct a field sobriety test. The police officer will ask the accused individual to answer basic questions, walk in a straight line, balance on one foot, and ask the individual to touch his or her nose with the forefinger of each hand. Police officers are looking for evidence that is sufficient enough to establish probable cause that the individual has been driving under the influence. Characteristics that are suggestive of an impaired individual include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Bloodshot eyes;
- Slurred speech;
- Lack of balance;
- Eye fluttering or excessive blinking;
- Unable to comprehend basic commands;
- The smell of alcohol on the individual’s breath; and
- Whether or not the individual is cooperating with police officers.
Scottsdale police officers may also ask that suspected drunk drivers undergo a breathalyzer test to determine what the driver’s blood-alcohol content (BAC) is. It is essential that all drivers are aware that they do have constitutional rights that are sometimes violated during a traffic stop; however, there is no constitutional right to refuse a breathalyzer test. Individuals who get behind the wheel impliedly consent to have their BAC tested if they are suspected of drunk driving. If a police officer does violate your constitutional rights in any way during a field sobriety test or traffic stop, there may be grounds for dismissal of your DUI charge.
Contact Scottsdale DUI Defense Attorneys
Many individuals are not fully aware of what the rules are when being subjected to a field sobriety test. If you have been pulled over under suspicion of driving under the influence, it is important that you are fully aware of your constitutional rights and what an officer can and cannot do under the law. As such, if you are subsequently arrested and charged with driving under the influence after failing a field sobriety test, it is essential that you contact a seasoned Scottsdale DUI Defense Lawyer right away. Skilled attorneys are standing by 24/7 to help you fight your criminal matter. When calling an office, you will be immediately directed to an attorney. If you would like to speak with an attorney, contact the office today by calling to schedule an initial consultation.