By Pierce Blitch
Walking the Line—But Is It Fair?
Law enforcement officers in Georgia rely on several standardized field sobriety tests to determine whether to arrest a person for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Today, we dive into the walk-and-turn test, examining why it’s used when drunk driving is suspected and its reliability.
Why Are Field Sobriety Tests Conducted?
Field sobriety tests serve two main purposes. First, they allow officers to assess if a suspect can follow verbal instructions. Second, they check a suspect’s physical condition.
The Walk-and-Turn Test: A Simple Task?
The walk-and-turn test appears straightforward. The suspect must walk in a straight line, heel to toe, with hands at their sides. During this test, the suspect must not:
-
- Stop
-
- Step off the line
-
- Use arms for balance
-
- Take the wrong number of steps
-
- Make an incorrect turn
Failing to maintain balance or follow directions can signal clues of impairment. A failure often leads to a DUI arrest. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the walk-and-turn test has a mere 66% accuracy rate.”
Factors Affecting Test Results
Many factors can cause someone to fail the walk-and-turn test, such as medical conditions, weight, age, footwear, and terrain. If you’re facing DUI charges in Georgia due to failing this or other field sobriety tests, you might question the results with the help of a criminal defense attorney. This could uncover information to help you seek a dismissal or reduce the impact of a conviction.
CALL THE Blitch Law Firm ATTORNEYS AT LAW TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR CASE
We fight for you, and we don’t back down. Every criminal charge holds potentially life-altering consequences. We don’t hold back on providing our clients the best possible criminal defense available. Nearly all the attorneys at The Blitch Law Firm are former Assistant District Attorneys, so our unique insight on how the prosecution approaches cases equips us with the ability to see the case from all sides. If you, a family member, or a close friend faces criminal charges, contact The Blitch Law Firm today at 706-434-8770 or visit us at 7004 Evans Town Center Blvd., Third Floor, Evans, Georgia 30809 to discuss your unique case and our creative defense strategies with one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys.
DISCLAIMER: The content on this site is offered solely for informational purposes and might not represent the current law in your jurisdiction. None of the details provided here should be interpreted as legal advice from The Blitch Law Firm or from the individual writer. Additionally, it is not meant to replace professional legal advice. Readers should not base their actions or decisions to abstain from actions solely on the information found in or available through this site. Instead, they should seek tailored legal or other expert counsel regarding their specific situation from an attorney or other professional authorized to practice in the reader’s state, nation, or other relevant licensing area.