Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
In Jacksonville Driving Under the Influence cases, the Jacksonville DUI suspect is asked to take field sobriety tests. Jacksonville field sobriety tests are used by the DUI officer to determine if there is probable cause to arrest the driver for Driving Under the Influence. The Jacksonville DUI officer looks for a certain number of “clues” for each test in order to determine if the driver is impaired. The three main tests administered are:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus;
- Walk and Turn; and
- One-Leg Stand.
The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test is commonly referred to as the “pen test.” The Jacksonville DUI officer uses a penlight or similar object and moves the object side-to-side while the DUI suspect watches it. The Jacksonville DUI officer is looking for a maximum total of 6 clues (3 clues per eye) and a minimum of 4 clues. To learn more about the HGN Test contact a Jacksonville Driving Under the Influence Attorney or visit Jacksonville DUI HGN Test Information blog.
The Walk and Turn Test is commonly referred to as the “walk-the-line test.” The Jacksonville DUI suspect is required to walk a line, heel-to-toe, make a small turn, and walk back. The total number of clues for this DUI test is 8 clues, but a Jacksonville DUI suspect need only exhibit two of these eight clues to fail the test. To learn more about the Walk and Turn Test contact a Jacksonville Driving Under the Influence Attorney or visit Jacksonville DUI Walk and Turn Information blog.
The One-Leg Stand Test is performed by standing on one leg and balancing for 30 seconds. This field sobriety test has a total of 4 clues. The Jacksonville DUI officer will believe that a person is likely impaired if he exhibits a minimum of 2 clues. To learn more about the One-Leg Stand Test contact a Jacksonville Driving Under the Influence Attorney or visit Jacksonville DUI One-Leg Stand Information blog.