Field Sobriety Tests in Washington

Were you pulled over under suspicions that you had been drinking and driving? An officer will often ask for you to submit to a field sobriety test.

There are three Standardized Field Sobriety Tests that have been approved by the NHTSA and these include the following:

• Walk and Turn: You will be asked to walk a straight link, heel to toe, and once you make it to the end you will pivot and return in the same manner.
• HGN: Officers are inspecting your eyes and if there appears to be any nystagmus. In some cases nystagmus can be the result of having alcohol in your blood stream so an officer will assess this by performing three tests in both eyes.
• One Leg Stand: You will need to lift one of your feet in the air and remain balanced as the officer instructs you. They will ask you to count by thousands and to not sway or put your foot down if possible.

During these tests there are a number of things that an officer is evaluating you for. Their conclusion may be drawn on their own opinion. It is important to remember that there can also be outside factors other than alcohol that influence the results of a test. Failing a test doesn't mean you are guilty and it doesn't mean you will be convicted.

DUI Defense in Kitsap County

Our firm has more than 30 years of experience amongst us and during our extensive time practicing criminal defense law, we have represented all types of charges. Our Kitsap County criminal defense attorneys understand the ways to fight a DUI charge and they are extremely familiar with the field sobriety test that officers use. They understand that these test are not always accurate and that there are still options even for those who have allegedly failed the test. With a former prosecutor on our staff, we also understand the ways that the other side may try to use information to put our clients in a bad light.

We are a firm that provides solutions and we encourage you to get in touch with us today.