Field Sobriety Tests in Georgia

Fight Your Charges with a Lawyer in Savannah

Most DUI arrests in Georgia will include some form of what are referred to as field sobriety tests. Field sobriety tests are designed to give a rough estimation of an individual’s blood alcohol content; however, these tests are not without error. If you or a loved one have undergone a field sobriety test before being charged and arrested for DUI, our firm may be able to challenge the evidence in your case.

At The Law Offices of Robert F. Pirkle, our lead attorney has 35 years of legal experience and has established a track record of success. Our legal team is trained to challenge the prosecution and effectively fight for your future. Over the years, we have handled thousands of criminal defense and DUI cases.

To learn more about your legal options, contact our firm for a free case evaluation!

Types of Field Sobriety Tests

Typically, officers administer field sobriety tests if they pull an individual over on suspicion of DUI. While these tests are not foolproof, they are often used as grounds for arrest. Our team can comb through any footage recorded of these tests and challenge the findings, as well as any mistakes that law enforcement may have made while administering the tests.

Three main tests that are usually administered:

• Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test: An officer will typically hold out a finger, pen, or other point of reference at arm’s length, move it horizontally across the suspect’s field of vision, and require the suspect to follow their movement. If certain jerking movements of the eyeball are detected, then the officer may chalk the results down to intoxication.
• Walk-and-Turn Test: An officer will ask the suspect to walk nine steps, heel to toe, in a straight line before pivoting and making nine heel to toe steps back. Wobbling, starting too early, or the inability to make a straight line may all be taken as evidence of intoxication.
• One Leg Stand Test: An officer will ask the suspect to stand on one foot for 35 seconds with their arms by their sides. As with the walk-and-turn test, any irregular movement or inability to complete the action may be taken as evidence of intoxication.

Reliability of Field Sobriety Tests

These field sobriety tests are not as foolproof as they may appear. Not only do they not account for those who may be unable to perform the actions because of weight, age, or a medical condition, they have not even been proven 100% accurate for individuals who don’t struggle with any conditions.

Call a Savannah Attorney with Decades of Experience!

Our team may be able to challenge the results of any field sobriety test that you were subjected to. With years of experience, we can skillfully dissect the actions and methods that the officers used to determine your level of intoxication. Many times, these methods are administered carelessly and in a manner which may invalidate the results of the test.

Find out more information about your case by calling our firm at (912) 493-9506!