Understanding Standard Field Sobriety Tests

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    The Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) includes three separate tests. They are typically administered after a person has been pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI). The purpose of the tests is to reveal clues that a police officer can use to determine whether the driver of the vehicle is in fact intoxicated.

    The tests were developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Southern California Research Institute.

    The three separate tests that make up the SFST are:

    • The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test. This measures nystagmus, an involuntary movement of the eye that is exaggerated under the influence of alcohol. During the test, the officer slowly moves an object like a pen or flashlight, which the test subject must follow with his or her eyes.
    • The Walk and Turn (WAT) test. This creates “divided attention” by asking the subject to listen to and follow directions while taking nine steps, heel to toe, along a straight line. Then the subject is asked to turn and walk back the same way. The officer looks for indicators like losing balance, using arms to balance, stepping off the line, or failing to walk heel-to-toe.
    • The One-Leg Stand (OLS) test. In this test, the officer instructs the test subject to stand with one foot raised about six inches off the ground. The subject may also be asked to do another task, like counting aloud, while standing on one foot. The officer times the subject for 30 seconds while looking for indicators that the suspect is intoxicated.

    At Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C., our experienced Surprise, Scottsdale, Sun City, Peoria, and Glendale, Arizona DUI defense attorneys strive to provide outstanding representation to every client we defend. To learn more, contact us today at (480) 467-3434 for a confidential case evaluation.

    Visit Our Sun City Drunk Driving Offense Law Offices

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    About the Author

    Zachary Mushkatel

    Zachary Mushkatel is a founding attorney of Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C., who has practiced law in Arizona since 2004. He also practices before the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. A graduate of the University of Arizona and the University of Minnesota Law School, he started his career as a public defender and entered private practice in criminal defense. In 2008, Zachary co-founded a firm dedicated to civil law in addition to criminal defense, and he has since expanded his practice to personal injury, estate planning and litigation, guardianships, conservatorships, probate, corporate litigation, real estate, and various civil matters. He serves on the board and faculty of the Arizona College of Trial Advocacy, and he is a past president and current member of the West Maricopa County Bar Association.