Types of Field Sobriety Tests
Are field sobriety tests always right?
Testing is to be done in a certain manner and training is carried out so
that officers understand how to do this correctly. Still, the training
that officers receive is not always enough and they may fail to administer
the test correctly. Their mistake can lead to an unfortunate outcome for
a suspect and can put them in a bad light that they don't deserve.
There are many reasons why these tests can be false and it is important
to work with a
St. Louis criminal lawyer who understands the defense options.
Types of Tests
There are three tests that can be used and these may be done separately,
altogether or through the use of two. It is dependent on what the officer
chooses to do and they administer these depending on how they see fit
for the situation. The three tests include the Walk and Turn, the One
Leg Stand and the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus. The tests will assess for
a number of factors that can be influenced by the presence of alcohol.
In addition to looking at the outward appearance and physical capabilities
of a person in question, an officer will also be looking at the comprehension ability.
Walk and Turn
The Walk and Turn test will require the individual to walk a straight line
with one foot in front of the other heel to toe. They will go a certain
amount of steps before they need to pivot on one foot and walk back on
the line in the same way. During this test an officer will be looking
if the person:
- uses their arms to balance;
- steps off the line;
- forgets to walk heel to toe;
- doesn't pivot;
- starts before the instructions are finished;
- can't balance and listen to instructions;
- has to stop to balance; or
- takes the wrong amount of steps.
One Leg Stand
The One Leg Stand requires the individual to balance on one foot while
the other is in the air. They will need to hold it around six inches from
the ground for 30 seconds while counting by thousands. They should not
put their foot down until the officer instructs them to do so. An officer
will be looking for a number of signs, such as if they have to hop to
stay balanced, need to put down their foot, use their arms to stay up or sway.
HGN Test
The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, also referred to as the HGN test will
be looking at the eyes and reactions of a person. During it, the officer
will use an object such as a light or a pen for the individual to follow
with their eyes. Both eyes will be tested separately, with three signs
looked for in each eye. The first is if they are able to follow the object
with their eyes smoothly if it is more of a jerking motion. Next is if
any involuntary jerking occurs when the eye is brought out to the side,
or maximum deviation. The last indicator will be if the jerking takes
place within 45 degrees of the center of the eye. Learn more about how the
field sobriety tests and how the outcome of a SFST can be fought by getting in touch with the firm.