DUI Field Sobriety Tests (Roadside FSTs) Wilmington DE Attorney

Getting pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving will almost certainly result in the police officer administering a field sobriety test. Field sobriety tests (so called "FSTs") are basic agility tests that law enforcement will ask a person to perform when they believe that the person was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When a person is impaired by drugs or alcohol, his or her coordination and sensory skills may be adversely impacted. For most law enforcement officers, poor coordination is a sign that an individual is intoxicated.

Contact me immediately if you were arrested for DUI because of a failed field sobriety test. I will tell you the truth about these tests and their unreliable nature. There may be a good chance that I can help.

It is important to remember there are almost limitless factors that could adversely impact the way a person performs on field sobriety tests, such as:

• Bad weather conditions
• Poor lighting
• Bad police instructions
• Physical disabilities such as arthritis, bad hips, knees, or back, poor eyesight and poor hearing
• Age
• Weight
• A lack of natural athleticism
• Late night fatigue
• Nervousness and fear
• A head injury or minor concussion
• Poor or lackadaisical attention by the motorist
• Glare from the police car's revolving overhead lights that can make you dizzy
• A crying or distracted motorist
• Genuine, legitimate or good faith confusion by the motorist about test instructions
• Even wearing high heels or poor footwear

All of these factors, in the arresting officer's mind, might result in an erroneous DUI arrest. Indeed, so often it is revealed that the police officer has rapid fired and "machine gunned" the field sobriety test instructions to my client at roadside. A half-dozen different instructions in the span of 10 seconds presents a serious performance hurdle to the motorist.

Experienced DUI Defense Lawyer Fighting Field Sobriety Test Evidence

Many drivers have false assumptions about DUI and sobriety tests. Indeed, if you look at the statistics, NSTA sobriety tests seem designed for failure. An experienced DUI (DWI) defense attorney can explain the facts to you so that you can make an informed decision regarding whether or not to fight a DUI charge.

Immediate action may be necessary to protect your rights, your freedom and your driver's license. Call my office in Wilmington at 302-622-9500 today for a free initial consultation. I will work diligently to challenge the field sobriety test or breath and blood alcohol test evidence in your case on both procedural and scientific grounds. I can accurately advise you of your rights regarding test refusal.

Kevin P. O'Neill, Attorney at Law • Wilmington, Delaware • Contact Me