Evidence can be used to charge drivers for drunk driving. The police use several forms of evidence to charge drivers with DUIs, such as erratic driving, statements or open bottles of alcohol. The police commonly use sobriety tests as evidence for drunk driving.
It is important to be aware of the different kinds of sobriety tests you may face during a traffic stop. Here is what you should know:
What are standardized field sobriety tests?
The police may conduct a standardized field sobriety test during a traffic stop to determine if a driver is drunk. There are three types of standardized field sobriety tests, including the following:
- One-leg-stand test: The driver is asked to stand on one leg for several seconds without falling or putting their foot down.
- Walk-and-turn test: The driver is asked to walk on a line and return to where they started.
- Horizontal gaze nystagmus test: The driver is asked to follow a moving object with their eyes without turning their head.
If a driver fails any of these tests, the police may conclude that the driver is drunk. While these tests may help the police judge whether a driver is drunk or not, they may not be accurate. Medication, medical conditions and other factors can influence a driver’s ability to follow instructions.
What are chemical tests?
Alternatively, the police may determine a driver’s sobriety with a chemical test. Blood, urine and breath tests evaluate the amount of alcohol in a driver’s body, also called blood alcohol content. If a driver’s blood alcohol content exceeds the legal limit, they may be arrested and charged for drunk driving.
Professional legal guidance can help build a criminal defense against drunk driving charges.