Harris County Field Sobriety Test Lawyer
Many people are fairly familiar with field sobriety tests because they are often depicted in television shows and movies. However, they are unaware of the types of tests they may be asked to perform, or what their rights are during the traffic stop. Our Harris County field sobriety test lawyer advises below on the type of tests law enforcement may ask you to perform, and how you can protect your rights.
Our Harris County Field Sobriety Test Lawyer Explains the Different Types of Tests
Police officers will usually ask drivers to take a field sobriety test before administering a breath test. Police officers may ask drivers to perform one or more of these tests, but the three main types law enforcement will employ include:
- Walk the line: Perhaps the most famous field sobriety test, this test requires a driver to walk a straight line, with one foot right in front of the other. The officer will determine if the driver can follow the instructions, including how many steps to take, and walk in a straight line.
- Horizontal gaze nystagmus: This test involves the officer holding a pen or finger in front of the driver’s eyes. They will ask you to follow the object with just your eyes and while they are moving, the officer will determine if you are able to follow the instructions, or if your eyes are making jerky movements.
- One leg stand: During this test, you will have to stand on one leg only without falling over or placing your leg down. You will usually have to stand in this manner for 30 seconds, and the officer may ask you to count while standing.
Our Harris County Field Sobriety Test Lawyer Advises to Refuse the Test
Many people think they are legally required to submit to a field sobriety test, and the officer may even tell you this. However, it is untrue. You are under no legal obligation to submit to these tests and you will not lose your driver’s license for refusing.
It is always recommended that you refuse to perform a field sobriety test. There are many reasons why people fail these tests, even when they are completely sober. It is natural to feel nervous, particularly when you think you may go to jail, and that can throw off your coordination. When a police officer asks you to take these tests, they are looking for probable cause to arrest you. If you fall, do not follow directions, or otherwise fail the test, that will give police the probable cause they need and they will make the arrest.
Our Field Sobriety Test Lawyer in Harris County Can Challenge Results
The results of field sobriety tests are subjective and often inaccurate. At Ayson Law Firm, our Harris County field sobriety test lawyer knows how to challenge these results and get them thrown out of the case so they are not used against you. Call us today at 832-209-2297 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
