Are Field Sobriety Tests Accurate?

When handling a DUI case, one of the aspects we examine is the use of field sobriety tests. Often, this makes up a large amount of the evidence against you and is enough to send you to jail. What many people may not realize, however, is that field sobriety tests are not 100% accurate.

There are three main field sobriety tests used in California. HGN testing examines the involuntary jerking in the eye as it follows an object. Alcohol consumption can lead to an exaggerated jerking of the eye, but so can some medications and health conditions. The other two tests are the walk and turn test or the one leg stand test. These are divided attention tests which require the driver to maintain balanced while counting out loud. However, there are instances of people being unable to perform these tests satisfactorily who are not under the influence of alcohol.

If you were falsely accused of DUI based on your field sobriety test, allow a Los Angeles criminal lawyer to examine the evidence against you. If we can prove that the tests were inaccurate, your case could be dismissed. Contact a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney to learn more.