Ventura Field Sobriety Test Attorneys

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT Field Sobriety Testing

We've all seen the video on television - a suspected drunk driver is asked to undergo a series of routine tests to determine whether they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These tests are known as field sobriety tests. Field sobriety testing is one of the most controversial areas of DUI/DWI law. The reason? Field sobriety testing was designed to provide evidence of a suspect's intoxication - the "smoking gun" a prosecutor needs to successfully penalize a person for DUI.

Field sobriety testing is commonly misunderstood. It does not entail testing for blood alcohol content (BAC) through breathalyzer or blood tests. Instead, field sobriety testing consists of a series of routine movements designed to test a suspect's balance, coordination, reaction time, and ability to follow directions. If you are asked to perform field sobriety testing, you may refuse without losing your license or being further penalized. Though this might not elicit a positive response in the officer, it will not result in your DUI conviction.

And refusing a field sobriety test in favor of blood or breath test might be a very good idea. The reason? Human error has been shown to factor in up to 98 percent of field sobriety tests. This means that the person administrating the test is more than likely unprepared, improperly trained, or unable to properly evaluate the results. In addition, you may suffer from bad balance or poor coordination due to a disability, fatigue, or be affected by roadside conditions such as road surface or weather. An experienced California DUI defense lawyer can evaluate all of these factors if field sobriety testing is undertaken.

Bottom line - whether you have to submit to field sobriety testing or not, the moments following your DUI arrest are crucial. With more aggressive prosecutors and punitive laws, you could be putting your career, your reputation, your license, and even your freedom at stake. The right Riverside DUI attorney can help you get on the right track, reducing your sentence or even getting charges dropped.

Wallin & Klarich Orange County drunk driving defense attorneys specialize in aggressive, DUI defense - with great success. Call our office today for a free telephone consultation.

At Wallin & Klarich, we approach every case with the belief that the person we're defending could easily be one of our own family members. We've seen firsthand how stressful legal matters can be for our clients and their loved ones. We are committed to being available to our clients at all times -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you or someone you love is facing drunk driving charges in Southern California, you should call Wallin & Klarich today for a free evaluation of your case. Call 1-888-764-2615 or fill out our online consultation form to get in contact with a legal professional today. We will be there when you call.

Click Here For FREE Answers To Your Questions