If there is one thing they love in Georgia, it is spring and summer festivals. Events such as the Atlanta Jazz Festival and the Georgia Peach Festival draw thousands upon thousands of fans who are all there to have a good time. For some, a good time also means a couple of “adult beverages” during the event. Some of these people will make the decision to get behind the wheel and it is very likely that authorities will be looking for them to issue a DUI in Georgia.
What To Do When Stopped for a Field Sobriety Test in Georgia
At events such as this and at random times of the year, local authorities may set up check points to conduct Georgia field sobriety tests. Officers may also ask you to perform field sobriety tests during a regular DUI stop. But, do you have to take these tests? Should you take these tests?
In all honesty, no, you should not take tests. Unlike chemical tests, you are under no obligation to take field sobriety tests. All you need to do is inform the officer on the scene, politely, that you would prefer not to take the tests. Since these tests are biased an unfair, it does not benefit you in any way to take them.
Why You Should Refuse to Take Field Sobriety Tests in Georgia
If you have never heard of or seen a field sobriety test, you should try them sober, under ideal conditions, to see how difficult these tests can. There are three different tests officers will conduct in the field:
- HGN Test
- Walk and Turn Test
- One Leg Stand Test
To give you a general idea, the one leg stand requires you to stand on one foot while holding the other foot six inches in the air for as long as 30 seconds. If you are wearing footwear that is not ideal, if the road is slick, if the weather is bad, or if you suffer from certain medical conditions, you are more or less destined to fail these tests, even without ever having had a single drink.
Hiring a DUI Attorney in Georgia if You Have Already Failed the Field Sobriety Tests
If you took the tests during a DUI stop and failed them, your world is not over. What you do need to do, however, is hire a local DUI attorney ASAP. He or she will evaluate your test results (as well as the video from the officer’s car, if available) and give you a better idea of how damaging the tests are to your case. To get your defense started, fill out the Free DUI Arrest Form today.
Taryn J. White is a legal research specialist and DUI law news reporter. Her current accomplishments include helping those facing any driving under the influence arrest charges, get free online assistance in learning how to fight a DUI case for the best possible outcome.