What is the Standardized Field Sobriety Test?

If you have been arrested for a DUI in the state of Georgia, were you subject to a Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST)?  An SFST is a series of tests that are conducted during a traffic stop, when the driver is suspected of a DUI. It consists of three different tests, the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, the Walk-and-Turn and the One Leg Stand. 

The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus is a test that looks for involuntary eye jerking when a person looks to one side. This jerking (or nystagmus) can be exaggerated when someone is under the influence of alcohol. Officers look for that exaggeration and if a person can follow a moving object smoothly. 

The Walk and Turn test requires a suspect to take nine heel-to-toe steps on a straight line, turn in a series of small steps and then return nine heel-to-toe steps back. This task is believed to be easily done by someone who is not under the influence of alcohol. 

For the One Leg Stand, a person is asked to stand on one foot and count for 30 seconds. It is assumed that it is easier for someone who has not been drinking to balance more easily. 

This test is approved by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration. However, it is an aspect of a defense case that can be called into question.

Arrested for DUI? Call Ashley Schiavone

If you failed the Standardized Field Sobriety Test, call Ashley Schiavone. Preparing for a DUI defense case requires training, education and practice. Ashley Schiavone is a stand-out lawyer in this field dedicated not only to her own achievement, but also the education of other DUI lawyers. 

Ms. Schiavone is an active member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association, an organization that seeks to educate and support DUI defense lawyers to protect the individual rights of their clients. To that end, Ms. Schiavone spoke at a conference last month and presented a mock cross examination of a Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) police officer. When you need to know all the nuances of defending DUI, Ashley Schiavone wrote the book on DUI!

Call 770-578-2344

Serving you in Gwinnett County