Field Sobriety Test (FST)

Field Sobriety Test (FST)

Being pulled over on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) can be a traumatizing and stressful process.  Punishments can be harsh, expensive and burdensome on you and your loved ones.    Understanding a crucial stage of a DUI is helpful and may help you save your drivers license.  The stage I am referring to is a very early stage, after you get pulled over by an officer and asked to perform Field Sobriety Tests (FST).

The FST's are simply balance tests that theoretically attempt to indicate if a person is under the influence and cannot maintain their coordination.  Essentially, these tests do not conclude that a person who "fails" them can or cannot operate a vehicle.  The average person would have problems completing and "passing" these test if they were sober with no alcohol in their system.  The FST's are designed to make people fail due to external influences such as; uneven pavement, lack of sufficient lighting, flashing police lights, cars speeding by you while you are outside taking the FST's, nervousness, first time taking such tests, etc.  The problem with FST's is that the officer gives his subjective opinion on whether you pass the tests or not.  No one knows what is going through the officer's mind when he is viewing you and you don't want your rights affected by mere outside influence.

There is no legal obligation to take these exams.  Given the knowledge after reading the above text, you should realize the FST's are nearly impossible to pass.  So respectfully inform officer that if you are not required to take the exams that you would like to decline.

If you have any questions concerning penalties for a DUI conviction in Los Angeles, please callLos Angeles DUI Lawyers Law Offices of Loren M. Merlin.