Alabama Field Sobriety Tests

In Alabama, drivers who are arrested and charged for drunk driving face some of the toughest DUI laws in the nation, with jail time, license suspension, and hefty fines often imposed on even first-time offenders. Out of the thousands of DUI arrests that are made each year, many occur after the driver unsuccessfully performs a series of Alabama field sobriety tests. However, because the decision to pass or fail the tester is based solely on subjective information, the results of these tests are often inaccurate.

If a police officer suspects you are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, he or she may ask you to perform a series of tasks, such as balancing on one leg or walking an imaginary line. Although at first glance these activities may appear quite simple, they are actually designed to help the police officer determine whether you are intoxicated.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has officially approved three types of field sobriety exercise: the one-leg stand test, the walk-and-turn test, and the horizontal nystagmus test. Nevertheless, many officers continue to use unapproved testing methods, such as asking the driver to recite the alphabet or count backwards. Since the NHTSA does not consider such techniques reliable means of determining a person’s level of intoxication, the results of these types of field sobriety tests are often inadmissible in court.

With all of the penalties associated with a DUI conviction, it’s no surprise that many drivers have hesitations about performing field sobriety tests—and with good reason. Unlike most tests, there are no right or wrong answers when it comes to field sobriety exercises. The good news is that, unlike breathalyzers and other chemical tests, field sobriety tests are entirely voluntary. In other words, you are not legally required to perform them if an officer asks. In fact, because they are often designed for failure, it is best to politely refuse the officer’s request if he or she asks you to complete any type of field sobriety test—whether approved by the NHTSA or not.

If you were recently arrested for DUI after failing one or more field sobriety tests, it is important to discuss your case with an attorney who specializes in DUI law. At the Whitney B. Polson DUI Defense Office, we know DUI law inside and out because it’s all we do. As exclusive DUI defense attorneys, we have the legal knowledge and trial experience to help you fight the charges against you.

Since 2004, our attorneys have helped countless Alabama residents avoid a drunk driving conviction. Add your name to the list—submit your case online today for a free, no-obligation evaluation from one of the most successful defense firms in the state.