Field Sobriety Test Client-Focused. Relentless Advocacy.

Field Sobriety Tests

DWI Lawyer in Fayetteville, NC

When an officer is assessing if you are impaired by alcohol they will likely ask you to submit to a chemical test and to field sobriety tests. A chemical test can be used to evaluate the alcohol in your breath, urine or blood. A field sobriety test will allow an officer to look at other aspects such as:

  • Balance
  • Memory
  • Ability to follow instruction
  • Coordination

There are three tests that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has approved and these include the following:

  • Walk and Turn Test: In this test the officer will ask you to walk along a straight line, heel to toe. Once you have gone nine steps you will pivot on one foot and come back again walking heel to toe. During this test the officer is looking at if you step off the line, if you use arms to balance, if you need to stop, if you begin before the officer is done speaking, if you can't balance and listen to instructions at the same time, if you don't walk heel to toe, if you take more or less than nine steps and if you make an improper turn.
  • One Leg Stand: You will be instructed to stand with one of your feet on the ground and the other lifted six inches. You will count by thousands for about 30 seconds before you are able to put your foot down. The officer will be looking at if you sway, hop, put your foot down early or use your arms to balance.
  • Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus: When an individual is impaired by alcohol it may cause them to have horizontal gaze nystagmus. In order to look for this an officer will use an object and ask you to follow it with your eyes. They will conduct three test in both eyes. They are checking if your eye can follow the object smoothly, if the jerking becomes evident when the eye is brought to maximum deviation and if the jerking begins within 45 degrees of the center.

These tests can be inaccurate and there are other reasons why a suspect may display some of the alleged indicators of impairment. Not passing a field sobriety test does not always mean that a suspect was guilty and our Fayetteville DWI attorney is able to provide defense to those who are charged for driving while impaired.

  • Matthew R. Plyler Photo
    Matthew R. Plyler

    Attorney

    Matthew R. Plyler is a general practice attorney who provides knowledgeable and compassionate representation to residents of Fayetteville and the surroundings area. He has been practicing law for over 20 years, handling a wide range of practice areas. This experience provides him with the background and skill needed to be successful. He approaches each case with a rare level of dedication and zeal that serves his clients well. During the initial consultation, he will take as much time as is ...
/

Local Attorney Helping Local People

The Stories that Matter
  • “Mr. Plyler took care of everything and somehow it was all dismissed.”

    - Megan Polston
  • “Matthew is without a shout of a doubt the best lawyer to work with especially if you get a ticket and you are out of town.”

    - Sir Manny
  • “He is extremely knowledgeable and he will do his very best to represent his clients.”

    - Zachary Hamilton