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DUI Field Sobriety Tests

What Are Michigan's Field Sobriety Tests?

Field sobriety tests are tests given to you by the officer to test your agility, coordination, memory, and concentration, and other factors affected by intoxication.

If you pass these field sobriety tests, you may be able to show that your drinking did not affect your driving to the degree the officer may believe. Of course, an average performance on the test will allow the police to claim you may be drunk. However, there are many imperfections with these tests that allow you and your attorney to successfully discredit both the tests themselves, as well as your performance on these tests.

Nervousness and anxiety can affect your test results

The officer should take into account your overall nervousness when determining your overall performance on this sobriety test. It is difficult to listen to instructions while pondering the consequences of your potential DUI arrest. Even stone sober people trying to properly follow police instructions may be confused by interfering thoughts of job loss, family embarrassment, and a million other things that can cross your mind. Asking the officer to repeat instructions may be viewed by the officer as an inability to follow instructions based upon your intoxication.

Your DUI lawyer should try to evaluate your performance by keeping in mind the tense situation you were in, and the difficulties involved in trying to do several things at once while you stand alone with an officer hovering nearby. Scour the police report for any indication that the officer took your emotional state into account when evaluating your performance.
If your lawyer cannot determine that the officer cared about your overall mental condition when performing the field sobriety test, your drinking may have had very little to do with how well or how poorly you performed. Make sure your lawyer leaves nothing to chance when researching the legal as well as non-legal aspects of your case.

If you have been charged with drunk driving, you need an attorney with the right knowledge! Don't feel bad for what happened, discover what you can do about it.

Your OWI/ Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being arrested for drunk driving (OWI) or any criminal offense can be very scary; but bouncing back better than ever starts with finding the right attorney - a lawyer who understands you and the charge you're facing. Having handled countless cases across Michigan has earned me the reputation, expertise, and understanding to navigate your case the right way. As as solo practitioner, your case is my top priority. It will remain my top priority as I work every angle to accomplish our mutual goals of keeping your record clean, avoiding jail, and maintaining your driving privileges. Work and family are top priorities; everything I do for you is an extension of the many responsibilities you have and the people who rely on you. Call today for the peace of mind of consulting a legal expert best suited to keeping your life moving in the right direction.

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