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Field Sobriety Tests Put Unparalleled Defense In Your Corner

Field Sobriety Tests in Texas

DWI Attorney in Fort Worth

You should be aware that cooperating with the requests of an arresting police officer who has pulled you over on suspicion of driving while intoxicated (DWI) does not necessarily mean the officer will let you go or "go easy" on you. If the officer asks you to agree to a field sobriety test, this probably means that he or she is already assuming you are guilty of drunk driving. These tests are designed for failure.

The fact of the matter is that it is your right to refuse to submit to a field sobriety test - and, in many cases, it is also in your best interest to do so. The wisest and safest course of action is to simply refuse to take the test or to answer any questions without an attorney present. Do so respectfully and courteously, but firmly, and then retain a competent Fort Worth criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Insider Perspective from a Former Police Lieutenant

Attorney David Sloane of the Sloane Law Firm is a former police lieutenant with two decades of experience in the legal industry. He has a level of insider knowledge and a "behind the scenes" perspective that very few attorneys can offer. Mr. Sloane has been trained in how to operate the breath-testing equipment used by police officers throughout the state of Texas, known as the Intoxilyzer 5000, and he has even instructed police recruits in the proper administration of field sobriety tests.

Because of his experience, he is aware that it is extremely difficult to "pass" field sobriety tests - even for a completely sober individual! That is because these tests are highly subjective. Because the arresting police officer is actively looking for symptoms of intoxication, he or she is likely to find symptoms regardless of your blood alcohol content.

Texas Field Sobriety Tests

The three field sobriety tests commonly used by Texas police officers are as follows:

  • Nystagmus Gaze Test - In the nystagmus gaze test, the driver is asked to "follow" with his or her eyes the movement of an officer's finger, pen, or another object. The officer will look for "jerking" movements of the eyes, which is a symptom of drinking. The nystagmus gaze test is highly subjective and all but impossible to "pass," as most individuals will experience nystagmus if they have been drinking at all or if their eyes are fatigued from performing the test for too long.
  • Walk-and-Turn Test - In this test, the driver will be asked to take nine heel-to-toe steps in a straight line with their hands at their sides. They will then be asked to take small steps in order to turn around and take another nine heel-to-toe steps back to the officer. The officer will watch for signs of intoxication from the moment he or she asks the driver to stand and place their arms down. Any swaying or unsteadiness or failure to count aloud will be considered a sign of intoxication. Many people who have not been drinking at all find this test difficult to "pass" perfectly the first time.
  • One-Leg-Stand Test - In the one-leg-stand test, the officer will ask the driver to lift one foot above the ground and let it hover for a 30-second period of time while looking at their feet and counting aloud. Any swaying or signs of imbalance will be considered a sign of intoxication, and many sober testers find that the test is not easy or is even impossible to pass - particularly if he or she has a health condition, is overweight, has an injury, or is tired.

Contact Attorney Sloane for a Free Consultation in Tarrant County, TX

Clearly, "passing" a field sobriety test is a subjective concept. Rather than subject yourself to the embarrassment and possible incrimination associated with a field sobriety test, it is in your best interest to politely refuse and then hire a good Fort Worth DWI attorney who can protect you from misleading or trumped-up charges.

With your freedom, your license, and your reputation at state, there is no reason to hesitate. Learn more about how Mr. Sloane is ready to put his experience to work in the defense of your rights and freedom in a free case evaluation that you can schedule right now just by speaking to a member of the firm's Fort Worth office staff.

For the tough, effective, and compassionate advocacy you need and deserve, call the Sloane Law Firm today at (817) 349-7118!

Our Settlements & Verdicts

Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.

  • Reduced to Misdemeanor Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Evading Arrest
  • Reduced to Class C Non-Reporting Probation Criminal Trespass
  • Reduced to Misdemeanor Assault on a Security Officer
  • Case Dismissed Indecent Exposure
  • Reduced to Misdemeanor Possession of 1 to 4 grams of Methamphetamine and Unlawful Carry of a Weapon

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    "He is very kind and cares about you as a person, and he is VERY knowledgeable in his field."
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    If you get arrested in Texas for anything David is probably going to be your best bet, especially if it is marijuana or DUI related. I am from Florida, and I got popped in Texas with a little over 20 pounds of cannabis, 400 grams of Hash, and an AR-15 type assault rifle. My bail was set at 50,000 dollars, and if convicted, I could have done 20+. I am affiliated with NORML, and heard through a network of people that David would be the right guy for the job, and he was. David was very diligent about my case, and the prosecution did NOT want to argue with him. He subpoena'd all the records from every single arrest made by the arresting officer in the last year, and worked a whole bunch of other magic, I have no idea what he did, but it worked. David is also affiliated with NORML, and on top of being a badass lawyer, he is a pretty cool guy to chill with. As soon as I met David, I did not speak with any other lawyers, I knew I was in good hands. After being charged with one first degree felony, one-second degree felony, and 2 third-degree misdemeanors, with David handling my case, he ended up getting all charges dropped except the hash charge, which got reduced AND deferred. The end result was a 1500 dollar fine, some court and lab fees, and 120 hours of community service, and since it was deferred, I am on probation until I finish the hours, but after I finish, I can get off early. Basically, I was facing 20+ years, and David pretty much got me off with what could be loosely regarded as a slap on the wrist. David handles all kind of cases from money laundering to marijuana cases, to dui's...with this guy by your side you know you are in good hands. Thanks David
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    Mr. Sloane and his office are definitely the right lawyers to choose to expect the best outcome of your case. He more than just helped me get through mine, he literally saved my family and I . I made a mistake as we all do, but this was a felony and he did everything in his power to keep me from going to prison and or lengthy probation. It was the best investment I made cause it paid off with minimal penalty. Words can’t express the gratitude and appreciation I have for him. He’s on your side every step of the way!
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    Highly recommend David and his team to go to the mat for you if you find yourself in an impossible situation initiated by law enforcement. He and his paralegals understand the current issues that affect today. They are extremely proficient as well as really good w/ their clientele. They are the best I've ever seen!
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    "I consider this money well spent. He did a great job."
    I hired David Sloane to defend me against marijuana charge. He gave me the option of charging a flat fee. It was explained to me my cost would be fixed regardless of whether it took him one appearance in court or ten. I agreed to this as a means of limiting my legal cost. He was able to get the charges against me dismissed. I consider this money well spent. He did a great job for the price quoted.
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