Fort Lauderdale DUI Lawyers

Field Sobriety Tests in Broward County, Florida

Field sobriety tests are a pertinent part of a Fort Lauderdale DUI case. Chances are that law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney will do whatever they can to ensure that failed field sobriety test results are shown in court and at your DMV hearing in order to prove that you were under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs while you were driving.

What can a DUI defense lawyer do to protect a client who has been accused of refusing or failing field sobriety tests? First, a driver is not required by law to submit to field sobriety testing after he or she has been pulled over for suspected drunk driving. Second, it is possible that even if the field sobriety tests were administered and the driver “failed” that the tests were actually not conducted properly or that an external condition influenced the outcome of the testing.

Field Sobriety Tests and DUI Defense in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

There are a number of factors that may influence the outcome of a field sobriety test. These tests are conducted to determine whether a driver is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs by testing coordination, balance and other physical indicators. One test, the horizontal gaze nystagmus, is conducted to see if a driver’s eyes involuntarily shake from side to side while following a light or object. Other common tests, the one leg stand and the walk and turn, are conducted mainly for coordination and balance as well as the driver’s ability to follow instructions.

But what happens when a driver is wearing high heels? What if it’s dark and raining? What if the driver has an injury or is ill? What if the driver has a physical condition that explains the jerking movement of his or her eyes? What happens when the field sobriety tests are not administered properly or the officer’s instructions are unclear?

Fort Lauderdale DUI Attorney

There are numerous ways that a field sobriety test may actually be inaccurate. It is the job of your Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney to use this to your advantage. At Musca Law, we have the experience and dedication that is needed to thoroughly evaluate a clients field sobriety test results as they relate to their DUI arrest and charges, and then prove the inaccuracy of the tests in court and at the DMV hearing.

Contact a Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer at Musca Law to see how we can fight your field sobriety test results and drunk driving charges!