There are three standardized field sobriety tests that police use to gather evidence of a motorist’s inebriation. Determining if an individual passes or fails these tests is purely subjective, though, and it is just as possible for people under the influence to pass them as it is for sober individuals to fail them.

If you are facing criminal law charges after failing a field sobriety test, and you want to discuss your options with a DUI lawyer, turn to The Walker Firm in Warner Robins, GA. Below, their knowledgeable lawyers explain what field sobriety tests are and how police use them in Georgia.

A DUI Lawyer’s Guide to Field Sobriety Tests

What Are They?

The three standard field sobriety tests are the one-leg stand (OLS), the horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN), and the walk and turn test (WAT). These three movements are designed to test balance, coordination, and attentiveness, all of which are affected after consuming a few drinks. For these tests to identify drunk drivers, though, police must conduct them in a highly specific way and then interpret the results accurately while acknowledging that factors other than inebriation can affect the results.

How Do Police Use Them?

Law enforcement personnel rely on the standard field sobriety tests to gather evidence that someone is inebriated. They may use this evidence to support a high BAC reading or to prove inebriation without administering a breath test at all.

If it sounds like field sobriety tests are unreliable, it’s because they are. And, since they are voluntary, it is often in a motorist’s best interests to avoid taking them. There is no legal penalty for refusing to take a field sobriety test, even if police officers try to convince you otherwise.

If you are facing charges for driving under the influence, a DUI lawyer from The Walker Firm will assess the evidence that police have against you and help determine the best way to proceed. Check them out online to learn more about fighting DUI charges, and call (478) 923-4152 to schedule a consultation in Warner Robins, GA, today.