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Field Sobriety Tests
Delaware County & Chester County DUI Defense
Media, PA
Standardized roadside agility DUI tests, often referred to as "Field Sobriety Tests" are deigned for failure and are nothing more than a self-serving "tests" to allow an officer to opine that a person is intoxicated. Some of these tests include, heel-to-toe, one-legged turn, one legged stand, finger to nose, PBT (pre-arrest portable breath test) and the highly disputed HGN (horizontal gaze nystagmus) test.
Notably, validation studies of "Field Sobriety Tests" fail to scientifically demonstrate that lack of coordination, under the circumstances, predict intoxication.
A police officer who, by virtue of asking you to participate in the Field Sobriety Tests has already concluded he/she has a reasonable basis to believe that you are guilty of drunk driving. Logically, this belief that you are guilty manifests itself by interpreting the subjective tests in a bias manner. Indeed, targets of these "Field Sobriety Tests" are, for the first time in their life, placed in fear of arrest while asked to perform them, day or night, along a roadway, with multiple visual and audible distractions.
If one fails a "Field Sobriety Test", they will be charged with DUI and requested to submit to chemical testing. If you refuse chemical testing in Pennsylvania, you will suffer enhanced penalties.