Field Sobriety Tests
After a person is stopped for driving under the influence in Marin County, law enforcement may ask him or her to perform a series of roadside field sobriety tests (FSTs). Field sobriety tests are used by law enforcement to determine an individual’s level of impairment. It is believed that people who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol will have a difficult time performing these agility tests because substance usage affects a person’s coordination.
In the past, law enforcement would use a variety of field sobriety tests. However, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration has since decided upon three standardized tests.
According to statistics, the three standardized tests were far more accurate at determining levels of intoxication than previously used tests.
The three tests are the nystagmus (horizontal gaze), the walk and turn, and the one leg stand. When each of these tests are performed, law enforcement will watch for certain signs of intoxication, such as lack of coordination, lack of balance, hopping, inability to follow instructions, or wandering of eyes. If law enforcement notices that any of these signs are present, they will assume that the person is under the influence.
It is not surprising that a person can fail the field sobriety tests even if they are completely sober. There are many reasons a person may be unable to complete the tests to the standards of the arresting officers. Some common reasons include weather conditions, slippery roads, lack of instruction, poor instruction, poor coordination, poor lighting, or other physical impairments. As a result, the results of most field sobriety tests are inaccurate and should always be challenged.
If you have been charged with DUI in Marin County, you should speak with an attorney immediately. An attorney can review the results of your field sobriety tests for errors, which will work to your advantage in court.
Marin County DUI Attorney
Attorney Robert Tayac has helped clients from all throughout Marin County combat their DUI charges with much success. Mr. Tayac is a reputable and understanding attorney, who is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to DUI law. Unlike other attorneys, Robert Tayac’s primary focus is DUI law. His years of DUI practice experience and winning track record speak for him.
As a well-qualified DUI Attorney, Mr. Tayac is dedicated to his clients’ needs and to producing outstanding results on their behalf. With professional DUI Attorney Robert Tayac on your side, your chances of successfully fighting your charges and avoiding a conviction in Marin County will greatly increase.
Marin County DUI lawyer Robert Tayac represents people arrested in the following communities:
Belvedere, Bolinas, Corte Madera, Dillon Beach, Dogtown, Fairfax, Greenbrae, Inverness, Inverness Park, Kentfield, Lagunitas-Forest Knolls, Larkspur, Marin City, Marshall, Mill Valley, Muir Beach, Nicasio, Novato, Olema, Point Reyes Station, Ross, San Anselmo, San Geronimo, San Rafael, Sausalito, Stinson Beach, Tiburon, Tomales, Woodacre.
Contact the Law Office of Robert Tayac for your free case evaluation!