San Jose DUI Defense Lawyer

Field Sobriety Testing and DUI

Field sobriety tests are a series of tests that measure a person’s attention, coordination, agility and balance – to determine whether he or she is impaired by alcohol or drugs and should be arrested for DUI.  In California , the most common field sobriety tests include:

• The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test ( following a light or object with your eyes)
• The Walk and Turn Test (9 steps each direction, in a straight line)

• The One Leg Stand Test ( raising one foot for 30 seconds)

The above three tests have become known across America as the "Standardized Field Sobriety Tests". Many studies have shown that the above tests may be only 65%-80% accurate. Therefore, i f these tests were used to convict people of DUI, 20% to 35% would be wrongfully convicted. There are also several factors that can affect how well a DUI suspect performs on any of the field sobriety tests. Among these factors are: poor instructions, fatigue, injuries, intimidation, weight, natural coordination, weather conditions, and nervousness.  Each test’s degree of difficulty may also impact a person’s ability to pass or fail. It is also important to note that even a sober person could have difficulty passing field sobriety tests. 

DUI in Northern California

If you have been arrested for DUI in Northern California, obtaining a qualified attorney is the most important decision you can make.  At the Law Offices of Thomas F. Mueller, our attorneys work to protect your rights, inform you of your legal options, and investigate the conditions of your arrest by gathering evidence and by questioning law enforcement and witnesses.  We can also provide the resources and aggressive defense you will need to fight your DUI charges. 

Have you been arrested for DUI in San Jose? Contact us today!