If you have been arrested for driving while intoxicated and you really felt as if you should have passed the standardized field sobriety test you took, then this article is for you. This article will explain to you why it is that you should have politely refused to take the SFST and why it is that you may have actually failed, even though you feel you should have passed.

Understand why a SFST is flawed from the beginning

Law enforcement are taught to give field sobriety tests, and in many states, three of the tests they learn are the most commonly used ones when puling someone over for a possible DWI. One thing you need to understand is there is no pass or fail system with these tests. The results are left to the officer's interpretation of them. However, isn't the officer already biased, since they did feel the need to administer the tests to you in the first place? If they didn't already expect you to be intoxicated, then they wouldn't have asked you to take the tests. Even if an officer should be able to remain unbiased an open-minded during the test, the test is already designed in a manner that makes it difficult for nearly anyone to pass, even those who are completely sober.

Understand a couple of the commonly given tests and why it's likely you'll fail

The nine step test is a very common one officers use. During this test, an officer will quickly explain the test to you, and you are supposed to remember and perform the tasks, perfectly. The assumption is that an inebriated person can't perform the tasks perfectly. The problem is that neither can most sober people.

Many people have issues with remembering a series of instructions given very quickly and then following them all right away and on-the-spot while under pressure. Even asking if they can repeat the instruction is considered to be a possible sign that you are intoxicated! Some people will even be more likely to have problems with this test, and just some examples include those with learning disabilities, those with attention deficit disorder, those with memory issues, and many who have physical issues including ear problems, back problems, and much more.

Another one of the commonly given tests is called the Gaze test. During this test, the officer will move something in front of your eyes and watch your eyes follow the object. They will be watching for your eyes to "jump."

The problem is that there are dozens of reasons why someone's eyes would jump, even when not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Just a few examples of the types of things that can cause this include influenza, hypertension, motion sickness, eyestrain, glaucoma, and taking aspirin or an antihistamine.

Conclusion

If you have been arrested for a DWI, then you need to contact a DWI lawyer right away. They can help you in many ways, even if you failed the standardized field sobriety tests.