The cops in Indiana don’t randomly pull people over and ask them to perform a field sobriety test. It may feel that way at times. However, they do look for signs that a driver may be driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If they suspect you’ve been drinking, they’re going to ask you to do two things. First, they’ll ask you to take a breathalyzer test. Depending on your blood alcohol concentration, they may then ask you to perform a field sobriety test. If you have trouble performing this test, you may be arrested for DUI. That’s when you know it’s time to call an experienced Indianapolis DUI defense lawyer.
f you would like to know more information about passing a field sobriety test but fail a breathalyzer, view this page.
Is the Test Hard to Pass?
If you haven’t been drinking or using drugs, the field sobriety test (FST) shouldn’t be that hard to do. However, if you had a few beers or cocktails, it may be difficult to perform well on this test. When you drink alcohol, it impairs your coordination and fine motor skills. It also affects your ability to focus and concentrate. These are the things the FST is designed to measure. The tests were devised to target those skills that a person loses when they’ve had too much to drink. They give the officers administering the test an idea of whether you can safely operate a motor vehicle.
Of course, there are people who wouldn’t be able to pass a field sobriety test even if they weren’t drinking. There are also certain medical conditions that make it difficult if not impossible to perform well on an FST. If you have a bad back or nerve condition, it may be difficult to stand on one leg for any period of time. There’s also the chance that certain legitimate prescription medications could make it hard to do well on this sort of test. Your Indianapolis DUI defense lawyer will look to see if any of these factors played a role in your arrest.
Your Indianapolis DUI Defense Lawyer May Argue that the Test Wasn’t Administered Properly
All law enforcement agencies teach their police officers how to administer the field sobriety test properly. There are certain tests they’re supposed to have you do. For example, most officers will ask you to walk a certain number of feet, heel to toe. Or they may ask you to stand on one leg for a period of time. Most cops no longer have suspects say the alphabet backward. However, if the person who pulls you over has you do ridiculous tasks, the test could be tossed out in court.
What are the Odds that the DUI Charges Will Be Reduced or Dismissed?
If the police didn’t administer the FST properly, your Indianapolis DUI defense lawyer may be able to get your charges dismissed. It all depends on how poorly the test was handled. For example, if the police made you do tests that are not standard parts of the FST, the results could be thrown out in court. Another instance of when the results could be excluded is if the cops make you do the test in inclement weather. Now, there’s nothing wrong with having you do the test in the rain. However, if it’s a downpour with thunder and lightning, your attorney may argue that nobody could’ve performed well under those conditions.
Reach Out to an Experienced Indianapolis DUI Defense Lawyer Right Away
If you’ve been arrested and charged with DUI, it may be because you failed the field sobriety test. The police in Indianapolis use this test, along with a breathalyzer test, to determine if you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Depending on the facts of your case, your Indianapolis DUI defense lawyer may be able to show the test was flawed. The only way to know is to call and talk to our office as soon as possible after your arrest.
Of course, you’re allowed to handle your DUI case yourself. However, it’s a good idea to have a skilled Indianapolis DUI defense lawyer there to help you along. They know the law and they have a good working relationship with the prosecutor. If you can’t use your one call from jail, then have a family member contact our office within hours of your arrest. This way, you can have an attorney by your side for your initial hearing. They can also help convince the judge to grant you bail or to release you on your own recognizance.
