DUI: Field Sobriety Tests
The police have been told there are several indicators that a person is drunk even before they start the field sobriety test. Smell of alcohol, slurred speech, combative attitude and watery/bloodshot eyes are all indications, according to police, to administer the test. DUI attorneys know these are not always indicators, in fact quite the opposite.
Smell of alcohol could come from a drink being spilled on someone. If you are at a party and want to help clean up, the possibility of getting some kind of alcohol on you is pretty good.
Slurred speech, we all would hope that an officer would be able to tell the difference between slurred speech and a speech disability. Some people naturally have a lisp. Novocaine shot into your gums will cause some speech problems and some people afflicted with Multiple Scleroses will sound drunk.
A combative attitude could be caused by a Bi-polar condition. Many who suffer from a Bi-polar disorder have sudden and sever mood swings. Then there are people who are naturally combative. They don't have many friends but, that's just the way they are wired.
Watery or Bloodshot eyes can be caused by anything. Seasonal allergies and dust are the main culprits when it comes to watery eyes. A teenager who just got dumped from a relationship could have watery eyes. Someone who works multiple jobs and doesn't get enough sleep can have red bloodshot eyes.
All these indicators are on the police officers list. The sad part is none of these scenarios have anything to do with a person being drunk. Unfortunately, innocent citizens have been put in jail for just such conditions.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense. This kind of charge could follow you for the rest of your life. Background checks are done routinely when applying for a job. Trying to get any kind of insurance will be problematic because of that arrest.
If you are innocent and think you have been unfairly treated contact us. We can help! Since 1999, we have represented hundreds of individuals charged with DUI and other crimes. We focus our practice to Riverside County and the residents of Temecula, Murrieta, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Corona and Riverside.