San Antonio Field Sobriety Test Attorney
In Texas, it is against the law to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level at or above .08. There are several different methods for law enforcement officials to measure your BAC in order to determine your level of intoxication. A conventional method for police to detect intoxication is a field sobriety test. However, there are some flaws with field sobriety tests that can make it look like you are driving while intoxicated when you are not actually drunk.
A DWI conviction can leave you facing severe consequences such as jail time and costly fines. If you believe that a field sobriety test mistake has led to you being wrongfully charged with a DWI, you can fight back. To discuss your situation, contact knowledgeable San Antonio field sobriety test lawyer Chris S. Barnett today at 210-587-6464.
Flaws with Field Sobriety Tests
When you drink, the alcohol affects your body in certain ways, such as the loss of coordination and balance. Field sobriety tests look at these different “symptoms” of intoxication. Standard field sobriety tests used by law enforcement officials include horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk and turn, and one-legged stand. However, these tests are not perfect. Problems with these tests include:
- Law enforcement officials giving unclear instructions or reciting them too quickly
- Police asking you to balance or walk for unreasonable amounts of time
- Officials making you perform balance and coordination tests on uneven terrain
Additionally, the primary problem with these tests is that they rely on the peace officer’s judgment rather than precise empirical information.
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Field sobriety tests provide an estimation of your BAC, not the exact amount. Thus, you may be charged with driving while intoxicated even if your BAC is less than .08. If you have been wrongfully charged with a DWI, contact an experienced San Antonio field sobriety test attorney from the Law Offices of Chris S. Barnett at 210-587-6464 today.
