Being arrested or charged with a DUI can be downright scary for anyone. Field sobriety tests play a role in many DUI cases in Tennessee. However, they are not an exact science and typically involve being asked to perform a number of physical feats, including walking a straight line, standing on one foot, counting in a certain sequence and other tasks that may prove difficult for some. Anyone who is asked to take one, and then arrested based on how they perform the physical tasks asked of them, may benefit by gaining more information about these subjective tests.
First of all, your physical condition can impact the results just as much as a level of intoxication. Knee or back pain can make performing parts of the tests difficult. Weight plays a role also. Being more than 50 pounds overweight can make a few of the maneuvers difficult, if not impossible. Age also obviously can make performance of a field sobriety test difficult or even impossible.
Outside factors can play a role in how a field sobriety test is handled for an individual suspected of driving under the influence. Officers need to be properly trained in how to administer the test and how to relay the instructions to the person taking the test. If the test was given incorrectly, or other discrepancies occur, there may be reason for a court to rule any evidence derived from them, including police testimony, inadmissible in court.
Field sobriety tests can be much more complicated than many may anticipate. However, these subjective tests can carry heavy consequences under certain circumstances. Anyone who has been arrested for DUI in Tennessee and who has had to submit to field sobriety testing may benefit by gaining an understanding of the factors involved in challenging the admissibility of that evidence in criminal court. Our website has more information about these tests and how they may be applicable in your case.