When a person is suspected by a police officer of driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated, he or she will be pulled over and asked to perform a field sobriety test. A field sobriety test is a series of actions that determine whether a person is impaired and suitable to drive. This test is a subjective one and give the police officer an indication of the driver's sobriety or inability to properly drive his or her automobile. A police officer will then ask a driver to take a chemical test. A breathalyzer test is the most common chemical test given to suspected drunk drivers after the field sobriety test gives probable cause to do so. If taken into police custody, a person may be asked to take further chemical tests including urine and blood tests.
If you or anyone you know has been charged with DUI-related charges, please let us help. Contact a DUI Lawyer in your area today.
Facts About DUIs, Field Sobriety and Chemical Tests
Field sobriety tests are usually the first step in a series of actions that determine whether a person is driving while drunk or under the influence of substances that impair his or her ability to drive. If a person passes this test, he or she should not be arrested or made to take any further scrutiny or examination. However, since field sobriety tests are subjective with parameters set by the officer witnessing the exam, further evidence is needed for a DUI charge to hold up in court.
Chemical tests are tests that involve checking the level of blood alcohol content (BAC), or blood alcohol concentration, in your system. The typical way police officers administer a chemical test is through what is commonly known as a breathalyzer. A breathalyzer machine records your BAC by analyzing your breath. This is the least invasive way to obtain BAC information that is admissible in court.
The common acceptable BAC limit is .08, but may vary depending on the state. However, any higher and the police officer has a duty to arrest for DUI or DWI.
Common penalties for failing field sobriety and chemical tests include:
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Suspended License
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Revoked License
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Fines
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Court Fees
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Drug and Alcohol Counseling
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Community Service
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Jail Time
Get Legal Help
Have you been charged with a DUI? If so, get legal help. A legal representative can assist you with any issues arising from your charge including reviewing all the evidence and information to see if there are any inconsistencies that may warrant a dismissal of charges. Please contact a DUI Lawyer in your area today.