Field Sobriety Tests

Rhode Island DUI Attorney

Field sobriety tests are used by police officers, highway patrol officers and other law enforcement officials to make an on the spot determination of whether or not a driver has been impaired by drugs or alcohol. If you have been charged with drunk driving in Rhode Island after a field sobriety test you should get the help of an attorney as soon as possible. A DUI conviction can result in some very harsh penalties so it is vital that you have the help of a Rhode Island DUI lawyer who has a strong understanding in this area of the law. Attorney Robert H. Humphrey has 20 years experience successfully representing cases involving DUI, DUI involving serious injury or death, out of state DUI, refusal of chemical tests and other alcohol offenses. He understands what you have at stake and works hard to preserve every client's freedom.

About Rhode Island Field Sobriety Tests

The first thing to know is that you do not have to submit to a field sobriety test. This may result in the police arresting you but by refusing to do the test, your performance of it cannot be used against you. There are several tests law enforcement personnel are trained to administer. The standardized tests include the one leg stand, the horizontal gaze nystagmus test and the nine step walk and turn. In the one leg stand, the officer will instruct a suspected drunk driver to stand with legs together, arms at sides and to lift one leg about 6 inches from the ground. The horizontal gaze nystagmus involves having an individual follow the tip of a pen as the officer moves it from side to side in front of the persons face. The officer is looking for any erratic jerking movements of the eye which may indicate intoxication. In the nine step walk and turn the officer instructs the driver to walk nine steps, heel to toe, turn and then take nine steps back along the same line in the same fashion.

These tests are highly subjective and there are numerous environmental and physiological factors which can cause someone to "fail" any of these tests which have nothing to do with alcohol or illegal drug intoxication.

Contact a Rhode Island DUI Lawyer right away concerning your case involving field sobriety tests!