Los Angeles DUI Defense Attorney

Field Sobriety Test

When a person is pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence, he/she may be required to perform one or more field sobriety test. Field Sobriety Tests were created to help law enforcement officers judge the sobriety of a driver by challenging their physical agility and mind-body coordination.  There are a number of field sobriety tests an officer can ask a driver to perform, including:

• Horizontal Gaze Nystagums Test
• Walk and Turn Test
• One Leg Test
• Finger to Nose Test
• Hand Pat Test
• Finger Count Test
• Counting Backwards
• Alphabet Recitation
• Rhomberg Test

However, both attorneys and experts agree that field sobriety tests are subjective, inaccurate, and designed for failure. In fact, most law enforcement officers don’t even know how to properly administer the test. Furthermore, these tests are based on subjective observation, and there are many innocent reasons why people may not be able to pass these tests, such as:

• Fatigue
• Nervousness
• Intimidation
• Injuries
• Weather
• Traffic distractions
• Weight
• Age
• Natural Coordination
• Clarity of officer’s instructions

In addition, most people don’t realize that field sobriety tests are optional. If you are asked to perform a field sobriety test, you may politely decline without facing legal repercussions. This is highly advisable since the officer can use the test as evidence against you at your trial and DMV hearing. You do not want to give the officer any evidence to use against you, especially when the tests are usually inaccurate and based on subjective opinion.

Contact Los Angeles DUI Defense Attorney

Attorney Debra S. White has defended hundreds of individuals throughout Los Angeles with their criminal charges. Ms. White is extremely well-versed in the California criminal court system, and knows highly effective strategies to obtain favorable results for her clients. In addition, Ms. White is not afraid to stand up for her clients and aggressively negotiate with prosecutors in court. At the Law Offices of Debra S. White, each client receives personalized attention, expert advice, and compassionate legal counsel.
In addition to servicing clients in Los Angeles, Attorney Debra S. White also provides legal representation for individuals located in other areas of Southern California including Ventura, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange County.