Field Sobriety Tests in Minneapolis DUI Cases

When it comes to making arrests for drunk driving, the police have numerous tools at their disposal. In many situations, they require drivers to submit to chemical tests to check their blood alcohol content, but this is not the only proof the government relies on. They are also known for using field sobriety tests in Minneapolis DUI cases.

If you have been charged with driving under the influence, the results of your field sobriety testing could play an important role in the outcome of your case. A skilled DUI attorney could downplay the importance of those results or challenge the conclusions drawn by the police.

Types of Field Sobriety Tests

There are three types of field sobriety tests commonly used in Minneapolis DUI cases: the one-leg stand, horizontal gaze nystagmus, and the walk and turn test. However, different issues exist with each of these options.

One-Leg Stand

One of the examinations the police frequently rely on is the one-leg stand. The officer will ask the accused to stand on one leg and count to thirty. They will focus on that person’s ability to balance, follow directions, and avoid mistakes when counting.

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus

The horizontal gaze nystagmus test is likely familiar to most people who have seen procedural police shows. It involves an officer holding a finger or a pen in front of a person’s eyes and moving slowly from one side to the other. If the police notice certain symptoms, like involuntary eye movements, this test is a failure.

Walk and Turn Test

The walk and turn is a straightforward exercise that involves a person walking on a straight line, stopping, turning on the spot, and making a return trip without stepping off. Failures occur when a person goes the wrong number of steps, loses their balance while turning, or steps off the line.

The Right to Refuse

It is against the law to refuse a blood, breath, or urine test while in the custody of police under suspicion of drunk driving. However, the same penalties do not apply to field sobriety testing. Unlike a breathalyzer test requested by the police following a DUI arrest, there are no consequences for refusing to submit to field sobriety testing.

In fact, it is generally a good idea to avoid taking part in these examinations. They are known to be inaccurate, meaning that the risks of participating far outweigh the rewards. Not only is passing or failing some of these tests entirely subjective, but there are other explanations for poor results outside of intoxication.

More than one of these tests heavily relies on a person’s ability to balance. The reality is that there are many reasons why someone might not perform well, including foot injuries, medical issues, uneven pavement, or poor footwear. An experienced attorney in Minneapolis could provide insight into why failed field sobriety tests in DUI cases may not mean much in general.

Learn More about Field Sobriety Testing in Minneapolis DUI Cases

While it is best to avoid field sobriety tests, you are not automatically out of luck if you submit to these tests. Different grounds exist to challenge the results or show that they are inaccurate. Call today to discuss field sobriety tests in Minneapolis DUI cases.