There are only three standardized field sobriety tests: the walk and turn test, the one leg stand and the horizontal gaze nystagmus. These are designed to test divided attention, asking you to retain instructions and then to complete a set of physical motions. While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has deemed these three tests the most accurate in determining a person’s sobriety they are not 100% accurate. Road condition, pre-existing medical conditions, flow of traffic, time of day and a person’s weight and age may all affect a person’s performance on any field sobriety test.
Most often the final field sobriety test conducted is a PAS test. The PAS is a preliminary alcohol screening used to help the officer determine whether he or she should arrest you for a Vista DUI. While you are required to complete a chemical blood alcohol test upon arrest for a Vista DUI, you are not required to submit to a PAS.
A capable Vista DUI criminal defense lawyer will be able to determine what defenses arise following an arrest.
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