Field Sobriety Tests: What are the Officers Looking for?
The three Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) are:
The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) – Horizontal gaze nystagmus is an involuntary jerking of the eyeball which occurs naturally as the eyes gaze to the side. The officer looks at whether the eye can follow a moving object smoothly and if there is jerking when the eye gazes to the side.
The Walk and Turn –Walk and Turn requires a suspect to listen to and follow instructions while performing simple physical movements. Impaired persons have difficulty with tasks requiring their attention to be divided between simple mental and physical exercises.
The One-Leg Stand – One-Leg Stand requires a suspect to listen to and follow instructions while performing simple physical movements. Impaired persons have difficulty with tasks requiring their attention to be divided between simple mental and physical exercises.
Many attorneys will warn you and tell you never to attempt to perform any field sobriety tests ever as many studies have concluded that field sobriety tests are designed to make you fail. The results of the tests may in fact provide the reasonable cause that is necessary to prove you were in fact operating a vehicle under the influence. Remember that these tests are voluntary, but the penalties you may face for refusing the tests may be harsher should you refuse the tests.
