Texas DWI The Effect of Field Sobriety Tests On Your Case
This article will detail how field sobriety tests may affect your case and whether you should refuse the tests entirely. Most people who are stopped for suspicion of DWI will be asked to exit their vehicle and perform a series of field sobriety tests. Under Texas law you are under no obligation to perform these tests, and by refusing you are neither implying nor indicating that you are guilty of driving while impaired.
By refusing all tests, both field sobriety and breathalyzer tests you may actually be giving yourself a better chance later on as there will be little real evidence against you other than the officer’s observations which are very subjective at best. The goal of field sobriety tests is to prove your mental or physical abilities were extremely compromised by the alcohol in your system and the police officer will almost never tell you that the tests are voluntary.
The problem with field sobriety tests is that they are so difficult that even a stone cold sober person might be unable to complete them to the satisfaction of the police officer. In fact, even the National Highway …