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Field Sobriety Tests

Field Sobriety Tests in Philadelphia

Our Experienced Attorneys Can Help

You cannot be forced to take a field sobriety test in Pennsylvania if you are stopped for possible DUI. It may, in fact, be wise to politely refuse to perform a field sobriety test. If you were charged with DUI for failing a field sobriety test, our attorneys can stand up in your defense to protect your record and freedom.

Our firm can take the field sobriety test you allegedly failed and use it to argue on your behalf. The main point is that field sobriety tests are conducted and evaluated subjectively by police officers which means that the conclusions can be debated. We will utilize this to debunk any evidence they claim to have against you in court.

What Are Field Sobriety Tests?

There are three main field sobriety tests that are administered: The "One Leg Stand," the "Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus," and the "Walk and Turn." The first test simply asks the driver to stand on one leg for 30 seconds. A Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test requires the driver to follow a moving object with their eyes. The Walk and Turn test is simply taking nine steps, pivoting, and returning to where you started.

In administering the Walk and Turn test, officers are taught to look for eight clues for evidence of intoxication; observing only two is necessary to arrest you.

Some of these issues include:

  • Lack of balance while listening to instructions
  • Failing to touch heel-to-toe
  • Using arms to balance
  • Making an improper turn
  • Taking an incorrect number of steps

Officers look for these things during the One Leg Stand test:

  • Swaying while balancing
  • Using arms to balance
  • Hopping to maintain balance
  • Putting the foot down

Call Our Lawyers as Soon as Possible

Even if you fail a test, our attorneys can challenge the results. Officers may not have fully instructed you on the test or may have administered it improperly. Medical conditions, weather, location, surroundings, your weight, and even your clothes can factor into how you perform on a field sobriety test. You need a professional attorney to contest your charges so you don't suffer the effects of a conviction. Let Parkinson, Tarpey Law put our 40+ years of combined experience to work on your case!

Call our firm at (215) 352-3432 to get started on fighting your charges! Our attorneys are ready to help.

WE'VE SUCCESSFULLY HANDLED THOUSANDS OF CASES

  • Charges Dismissed Commonwealth v. A.P.
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  • Not Guilty Commonwealth v. C.M.

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