There Is No Backing Down When Seeking Justice For You

Understanding Field Sobriety Tests In OWI/DUI Cases

If you are charged with drunk driving, it is imperative to seek a criminal defense attorney with the experience and track record to provide both vigorous and effective representation. As a former magistrate judge and founder of The Law Office of John Alt, I am prepared to use all of my experience and every ounce of my energy to obtain the best possible outcome in your criminal case.

I take the time to examine all aspects of your OWI/DUI case, including the field sobriety tests used to determine whether or not you were in fact impaired while driving.  I have seen what works and what doesn’t. Based on the individualized facts of your case, I will mount an aggressive defense that attacks the legal infirmities of the evidence collected against you and dismantles the prosecutor’s case from the inside.

Types Of Field Sobriety Tests

Besides the standard breath, blood or urine tests that are used to scientifically determine your blood alcohol content (BAC), officers often administer a number of field sobriety tests to ascertain your level of impairment. These tests include:

  • Walk-and-turn: Officers will ask you to walk a straight line, putting your heel in front of your opposite toe. Then you will turn and walk back. The officer will be paying close attention to whether or not you are steady on your feet and can complete the task as asked.
  • Horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN): You will be asked to use only your eyes to follow an object or an officer’s finger as it is moved back and forth in front of your face. This time, the officer is looking for any delay in your eye movements, any unusual motions of your eyes or if there are any issues with you performing this task.
  • One-leg stand: The officer will have you stand on one leg for roughly 30 seconds. During this time, you are being examined for any instability of your leg, wobbling back and forth and any other physical motions that show you cannot complete the task and are in fact under the influence.

These tests can be requested of you in any order. However, we can examine the situation to determine if anything else affected your ability to perform these tests or the officers did not follow proper procedures.

I Know How To Fight For You

Whether we decide to argue that evidence should be suppressed or choose to dispute particular testimony, as your Indianapolis drug crime lawyer, I will pursue the best course of action to defend your case.

For over a decade, I served as an appointed magistrate judge in one of Indiana’s busiest criminal courts and also presided over Indiana’s largest drug treatment court and Indiana’s largest reentry court. As a judge, I witnessed firsthand the importance of having first-rate legal representation in a criminal matter. Criminal cases can have serious repercussions – they can result in prison or jail time, years of probation and thousands of dollars in fines and costs.

Schedule A Free Consultation Today

For more information about field sobriety tests, your drunk driving charges or any criminal defense matters, call my Indianapolis office at 317-981-7399 and schedule a free initial consultation. You can also The Law Office of John Alt through my online form.