Gillette Field Sobriety Test Attorneys

Dedicated to Protecting the Privileges of Gillette Drivers

If a police officer suspects you are driving under the influence of alcohol, one of the first things you may be asked to do is submit to field sobriety tests. The results of these tests could play a crucial part in your case and in your ability to fight a DUI charge. However, as instrumental as your results may be, these tests are not entirely reliable. Field sobriety tests are subjective and not always based on science, which means an experienced Gillette DUI defense lawyer can challenge them in court.

At Steven Titus & Associates, P.C., our knowledgeable legal team is prepared to provide the representation you need to protect your driving privileges. We have experience handling DUI cases in Wyoming and will work diligently on your behalf. Contact us today at (307) 257-7800 to schedule a free initial consultation.

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Understanding Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are designed to determine if a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. There are three standardized tests law enforcement officers may ask someone to perform:

• Horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) test: You will be asked to follow a moving object with your eyes, such as a flashlight or pen, from side to side. If a person is intoxicated, their eyes will jerk in a more exaggerated way. However, according to government studies, this test is only accurate 77% of the time.
• Walk-and-turn test: You will be asked to walk in a straight line, heel-to-toe, turn around, and walk back in a straight line. If you lose balance, try to regain balance, or use your arms to balance, an officer may assume you are impaired. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there is only a 68% chance that a person who fails this test may be drunk.
• One-leg stand test: You will be asked to stand with one foot lifted about six inches above the ground. During this time, you must count until the officer tells you to put your foot down. If you hop to maintain your balance, sway while balancing, or put your foot down, an officer may determine you are drunk. The NHTSA estimates that there is only a 65% chance this test is accurate.

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Challenging Field Sobriety Test Results in Wyoming

You are not legally required to submit to a field sobriety test. Chances are, if you have already reached the point of a police officer asking you to submit to field sobriety tests, they already believe you are impaired. That said, the officer will likely arrest you for refusing to take these tests. Although field sobriety tests are voluntary, you must submit to a chemical test once you are at the police station.

If you submit to field sobriety tests, your performance may be challenged in court. Field sobriety tests are not highly accurate, and factors can be used to challenge the results, such as:

• They test physical agility, and not everyone is physically fit or able-bodied.
• They are performed under stressful circumstances.
• The police officer may not have given proper instructions or otherwise made a mistake.

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Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Gillette Drunk Driving Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with DUI in Campbell County, the Gillette criminal trial attorneys at Steven Titus & Associates, P.C. in Gillette will fight for you. Our team has extensive experience in representing DUI cases with favorable results. When you turn to us, you can expect exceptional legal representation from a law firm that is always available and has an impressive win-loss record in the courtroom. Call us today at (307) 257-7800 to schedule a free case review.

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