Field Sobriety Tests - Oklahoma

Failing your field sobriety tests in Oklahoma can lead to being arrested for Drunk Driving. Don't accept a DUI laying down. Our DUI Defense law firm has experience representing people charged with Drunk Driving throughout Oklahoma.  Contact us today to discuss your arrest, the environment your field sobriety test was given in and the potential outcome of your DUI charges.

In Oklahoma, the Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) is made up of three different tests that are administered by a police officer trained to report your behavior in a standardized manor. The three (3) DUI field sobriety tests are the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), the Walk-and-Turn and the One-leg stand.

 

Horizontal Gaze Test - Oklahoma City

The Horizontal gaze nystagmus test is the field test administered to you by the police officer when he instructed you to hold you head still and follow a small flashlight or another object with your eyes from side to side. In this DUI field test, the officer is watching for your eyes to involuntarily jerk more than normal with these tests. If you exhibit more than three (3) clues that you are under the influence, the testing officer will more than likely assume you are under the influence. However, there are medications, other depressants and inhalants that can exaggerate this natural rhythm of your eyeballs movement.

DUI Tests - Walk and Turn

The Walk and Turn test is not just a test of your coordination, it is also a test that is critiquing your ability to follow the police officers directs. The arresting officer will instruct the suspect to take nine heel-to-toe steps along a straight line, turn, and return in the same fashion. Again, the arresting officer is looking to see if you will loose your balance while turning, not place your heel to your toe, start before he instructs you to start and see if you are capable of following the police officers instructions. The officer is looking for seven (7) major signs of being under the influence; ability to maintain balance while following test instructions, starting the test before the instructions were completed, if you stop walking during the test to regain balance, no heel to toe, putting your arms out (like a tight rope walker) to keep your balance and if the suspect takes the incorrect amount of steps.

One Leg Stand DWI Test

The One Leg Stand DWI test is essentially testing your balance. Standing on one leg the officer instructs the suspect to keep one foot approximately six (6) inches off of the ground and count in one thousands until instructed to put your foot down. This test is administered in thirty (30) second intervals. Again, the arresting officer is using this DWI test to observe your ability to balance; if you use your arms, if you hop to stay in one spot or if you put your foot down before instructed.