Field Sobriety Tests

Orange County DUI Defense Attorney

Field sobriety tests are conducted after law enforcement has pulled a driver over for suspected DUI. An officer will use the driver's performance on these tests as a determination of whether to make an Orange County DUI arrest. Field sobriety test results, along with blood test / breath test results, may also be used in court by the State (prosecution) in order to prove the defendant's abilities were impaired by alcohol and/or drugs.

As an experienced Orange County DUI lawyer, I understand how to approach a case involving failed or refused field sobriety tests and still build a strong DUI defense strategy for my client. Although it may seem as though the fact that you failed field sobriety tests will result in a conviction, I understand how to use my skills as a defense lawyer to disprove, disqualify or question field sobriety test results.

Orange County Field Sobriety Tests & DUI Defense

When reviewing a case and field sobriety test results, I draw upon my experience in this field from my over 25 years in criminal defense. As an Orange County DUI defense attorney, I can review field sobriety tests to determine whether they were conducted properly and whether the results should be admitted in court. With video cameras mounted in many police cars, I may even be able to view the field sobriety tests being conducted in order to determine whether they were conducted reasonably and fairly.

A video of a field sobriety test may show that a driver was judged too harshly on his/her performance. In these cases, the jury may be able to view the video and decide whether they think the driver actually failed the tests. Or, the video may show that the officer did not give clear instructions and thus the driver was unable to perform the test accurately. Whatever the specific circumstances, I will use my knowledge as an Orange County DUI attorney to determine how to best approach field sobriety testing and results in any drunk driving case I take on.

There are many field sobriety tests which may be used by law enforcement in Orange County. However, there are three tests which have been standardized and were tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for their effectiveness. These tests are the Walk and Turn, Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus and One Leg Stand. These are used to test a driver's balance, coordination and ability to follow instructions.  The Nystagmus test is used to look for an involuntary side-to-side jerking movement in the eyes when following a light or object (which may be a sign of intoxication).

Orange County Field Sobriety Test Lawyer

Field sobriety tests are not 100% accurate in determining whether a driver is intoxicated. Additionally, they are subject to an officer's opinion and own viewpoint when conducting and grading a test. As an Orange County DUI lawyer, I understand how to point out these faults and do whatever I can to help my clients with their drunk driving cases - even when accused of failing or refusing field sobriety tests.

Contact Orange County DUI defense lawyer Barney B. Gibbs today!