Our Ponca City, OK DUI attorneys explain what to do if you fail a field sobriety test.
It is every driver’s worst nightmare: You are headed down the road when you spot red lights flashing in your rearview mirror. You pull over and the officer asks you to get out of the vehicle. If you are suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, the officer will likely administer field sobriety tests. If you fail these, you will be placed under arrest and charged with a DUI. How can you protect yourself in this situation? Our Ponca City DUI defense attorneys offer tips on what to do.
Our Team Is Here To Assist You Every Step Of The Way.
SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYWhat Happens After a Failed Field Sobriety Test?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has developed standardized field sobriety tests to help law enforcement officials determine when a driver may be under the influence. These tests are used by police in Ponca City and throughout Oklahoma. If you are pulled over and the officer suspects you are impaired, you will be asked to step out of your vehicle so tests can be conducted on the side of the road. These will include:
- The Walk and Turn, which involves walking heel to toe along a straight line;
- The One Leg Stand, in which you will be asked to keep count while holding one leg six inches off the ground;
- The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test, in which you will be required to follow the officers finger with your eyes to check reflexes.
If you fail these tests, you will be arrested under suspicion of DUI. To protect yourself, request an attorney immediately and refrain from making statements which could incriminate you.
Your Next Steps After a Failed Field Sobriety Test
After a failed field sobriety test, you will be taken to the police station. During your ride, review the circumstances surrounding your testing. Questions to ask yourself, which could end up helping later in your case, include:
- Where and at what time did the stop occur?
- What were the traffic conditions in the area?
- What were the weather conditions?
- What were you wearing?
- What had you been doing prior to driving?
- How did you feel at the time the tests were being conducted?
Field sobriety tests are notoriously inaccurate. Studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicate that it can prove challenging for even perfectly sober people to pass them. If you were nervous at the time of testing, if you were tired from a long day of work, or if there was heavy traffic or other adverse conditions, this could be used as evidence to show that results obtained were false.
Reach Out to Our Ponca City DUI Defense Attorneys Right Away
At BDIW Law, we provide the strong legal defense you need when facing DUI charges. One of the most important steps to take if you fail field sobriety testing is to reach out to our Ponca City DUI defense attorneys as soon as possible. Call or contact our office online and request a consultation today.
