More and more evidence suggests that most alcohol-related highway deaths can be prevented. This is why there is increasing pressure being placed on legislators by such organizations as Mothers Against Drunk Drivers and others to require more on-site testing for drug and alcohol impairment by police officers. Because of this, Breathalyzer, blood, urine, and field sobriety tests are becoming part of an essential shakedown of people who are being handed DUI charges for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
When a driver is pulled aside by a police officer, he or she might be asked to perform a field sobriety test or a Breathalyzer test right there on the scene. Sometimes, Breathalyzer tests cannot be used as evidence in a court of law, but they can be used for the officer to prove probable cause for arrest.
When, and under what circumstances, Breathalyzer, blood, urine, and field sobriety tests may be administered can vary according to the different state laws. There are times when the officer will want to administer the tests immediately at the location where the car was stopped, or in a nearby properly equipped mobile unit that has all of the testing equipment needed to perform the testing.
Most field sobriety tests consist of physical acts that the driver is asked to perform successfully, on the side or shoulder of the road. For example, a driver may be asked to walk along a straight line, or stand on one foot with the other foot raised off the ground. The officers are usually trained to observe the drivers’ reactions, and will try to engage the person they stop in a conversation while the test is transpiring. This can sometimes result in the driver of the vehicle becoming distracted by the tests and volunteering information that he or she did not divulge while being asked questions in the car.
It is always a good idea to seek the advice of an attorney who specializes in the area of DUI cases prior to agreeing to participate in Breathalyzer, blood, urine, and field Sobriety tests. The lawyer can give the best advice about how to proceed.
