subject: Getting a Tampa DUI Attorney- An Overview of Field Sobriety Tests [print this page] Getting a Tampa DUI Attorney- An Overview of Field Sobriety Tests
Have you been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI)? There is nothing more frightening than to be pulled over by the police as there is usually very little explanation as to why it happened, or what will happen next.
Generally, when you are pulled over by an officer it is because that office has decided that you were driving erratically. In Florida, the law states that an officer can pull a car over when he feels the driver may not be functioning normally; causing the car to swerve, go too fast or too slow, jump over a curb, or weave in and out of traffic. The officer can pull you over if he/she feels that your vehicle may have some damaged equipment or the car is not functioning properly. All of these presumptions on the part of the officer are causes for a legal pull over. When you are pulled over, the officer will look for signs of his presumptions such as: eyes that are bloodshot and watery, a face that looks flushed, slurred speech, or an odor of alcohol. These are all good reasons to put the driver through a Field Sobriety Test.
The Field Sobriety Test consists of:
A test wherein you will be asked to follow a pen as the officer checks to see if your eyes are following the object smoothly. If you are under the influence your eyes will not follow the object smoothly.
A test which you will be required to keep your arms at your sides and your feet straight ahead as you walk down a line. If you cannot maintain your balance or cannot follow the officers instructions there will be some question as to your sobriety.
Another test that requires you to keep your arms at your sides while you stand on one foot that is six inches off the ground for thirty seconds. If you cannot do this or follow the officer's instructions this too may be cause for suspecting a problem.
If you have been pulled over, you will need an attorney to guide you through this stressful time. Only by seeking professional help will you be able to resolve this issue in a timely and organized manner.
