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Law enforcement officers in Peoria, Arizona give Field Sobriety Tests (FST) when they pull drivers over to assess their sobriety. Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs)” approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Medical Science; or other Arizona governing entity for DUI Roadside Testing. SFSTs differ from chemical tests, which involve getting blood and urine samples. Peoria law enforcement officers follow Arizona state’s jurisdiction regarding the administration of these tests.
Typically, the tests gauge impairment due to drugs or if a driver’s Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) could be .08%—if so, the driver is subject to a DUI charge. In Arizona, SFSTs are not mandatory, unlike chemical tests. However, refusing to take this test can only worsen the consequences of impaired driving. You can be arrested for a suspicion of a DUI, risk having your license suspended, and your refusal can count as evidence against you in court.
The three parts of a SFSTs are:
One-Legged Stand: This means you raise one foot six inches off the ground and hold the position for 30 seconds so the officer can assess your balance.
Horizontal gaze nystagmus: An officer will shine a light into your eyes to check for involuntary jerking. The officer may also ask you to follow a focal point like a pen with your eyes from side to side.
A drunk suspect’s involuntary eye jerking will be more rapid and extreme.
Walk-and-turn: An officer will direct you to take several steps heel-to-toe in a straight line to check your balance and ability to follow instructions.
Unfortunately, if an officer suspects that you are driving under the influence, they often assume you’re guilty even before testing you. Additionally, the accuracy of SFSTs has been questioned for a long time. The DUI DWI Foundation reports that the tests are only reliable in 65-77 percent of all cases. Even non-impaired drivers can fail them because they are so subjective.
This makes it even more imperative to consult with experienced DUI attorneys to reduce penalties and, in certain circumstances, even get the charges dropped. If you or someone you know failed the field sobriety test in Peoria, Arizona, do not despair. Rosenstein Law Groups knowledgeable and experienced DUI defense attorneys can help. .Contact the Rosenstein Law Group at 480-248-7666 or fill out this form to contact us for a free consultation to discuss the specifics of your case.