Field Sobriety Tests are used by Police to determine whether you are drunk.
In Pennsylvania, there are a four (4) primary ways to test your sobriety level. Three of these tests are simply indicators that you have been driving under the influence. From these indicators, an officer only has to reasonably believe you are driving under the influence in order to arrest you and get a more scientific measure of your sobriety level.
First, whether you are stopped along the side of the road, or you drive through a check point, the officer is going to look at you. He will look to see if your eyes are droopy and glazed. He will look to see if your cheeks and face are flushed. Then he will ask you a series of question. In your answers, he will listen to your speech and smell your breath. If the officer believes you are driving under the influence, he will ask you to get out of the car.
Next, you will be asked to perform a three different “field sobriety tests.” The one-legged stand will require you to stand on one leg for a certain period of time. For the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, the officer will shine a light in your eyes and ask you to follow it back and forth. Finally, you will be asked to walk in a straight line. If the officer continues to think you are driving under the influence, he will give you a breathalyzer.
The third sobriety test is the on scene breathalyzer. The officer will ask you to breath into a box that will give a rough estimate of your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). If you blow over the legal limit of 0.08%, then you will be arrested and taken to the station for a more scientific test.
The final sobriety test is the station breathalyzer or the blood test. These tests are not infallible, but will provide a more definite read-out of your BAC. If you are asked to take one of these tests, do not refuse. If you refuse, you have just committed a crime and will have your license suspended regardless of your DUI.
At Morrow & Artim, we offer a no cost, no obligation review of your DUI or criminal law matter via a short telephone consult or an email reply. If both you and our firm agree that legal representation is required, an in-office appointment will be scheduled.Call Morrow & Artim today at 412-823-8003 to obtain the legal help that you deserve.
