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Field Sobriety Tests

Bakersfield Field Sobriety Tests

What are Field Sobriety Tests?

Field sobriety tests are used to assess a driver's level of intoxication when a law enforcement officer suspects that the person is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These tests enable the officer to make roadside deductions of the driver's intoxication level.

The standardized field sobriety test approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a series of three tests that are systematically administered:

  • Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN)
  • Walk-and-Turn (WAT)
  • One-Leg Stand (OLS)

Arrested for a DUI? Get started on your case by contacting the experienced attorneys at Humphrey & Thompson today!

How to Fight Field Sobriety Test Results and DUI Charges

It is the responsibility of the law enforcement officer to ensure that the setting of the field sobriety testing is reasonably dry, level and not slippery. The officer should also make sure that there is enough room and adequate lighting to conduct the tests.

If this is not the case, then the officer should try to move and perform the tests elsewhere, and if they fail to do so this error could be in your favor in court. If the field sobriety tests are not performed in a systemized and reliable manner then there are ways to challenge the accuracy of the results.

Some of the factors that impact the reliability of the tests are:

  • Not alcohol related causes for performance failure (medications)
  • Brain damage or mental disabilities
  • Movement of the officer (supposed to remain motionless)
  • Suspect wearing unsuitable attire (heels, tight pants, baggy jeans)
  • Officer does not properly time the exercises
  • Failure of the officer to give adequate instructions
  • Preexisting physical or mental impairments (over 60 years old, sick, injured, hearing problems, overweight)
  • Environment settings (wet weather, poor lighting, uneven ground, other distractions)
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    My husband hired Jared Thompson to defend him against bogus charges. Their price was affordable and well worth the work they put in. Even though the DA's office was not helpful and kept delaying the case over and over, Mr. Thompson and his team never gave up. It was finally dismissed and we couldn't be more happy with the outcome.

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    Due to the distance away from the Bakersfield area I was able to deal with the firm by phone and email. Phone service was very timely and they made me feel comfortable. If needed, I would use their services again and recommend this law office.

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    He values his clients and understands their individual needs. He will work hard to guarantee that justice is served for everyone involved. He is honest and supportive throughout the entire process. We will never forget what Kyle has done for us.

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    I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Kyle Humphrey at Humphrey & Thompson for his help with an unexpected case. He was highly thorough and made sure I understood every part of the process, which was especially important as this was my first and only legal matter. Many thanks to you and your team!

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    Needed a lawyer for our juvenile son for a felony assault case. Public defender was not very helpful and told us that at best our son would be on a very intensive probation for years if not sentenced to a camp. Rob Singh took our case and basically got everything resolved outside of court with the prosecutor within 2 weeks. Alleviated a lot of stress and anxiety by getting our son on a very minimal probation for 6 months and then records completely sealed. Highly recommended and would definitely hire this firm again.
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    My son was wrongfully accused and charged with assault. I hired Mr. Humphrey to represent him because I heard he was the best and as my son is 19 years old, I did not want this bogus charge going on his record. Mr. Humphrey did an excellent job of representing my son from day one. I am happy to say that the charges were dropped and the case was dismissed. I HIGHLY recommend Kyle J. Humphrey.

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Let Humphrey & Thompson Fight for You

By calling a Bakersfield criminal defense attorney at our firm, you can receive proper representation to protect your rights. We have decades of experience in criminal defense law and can help you through the DUI process and the charges that were the result of a field sobriety test. The penalties for drunk driving are severe, so it is important to obtain experienced legal counsel for your DUI case.

Contact Humphrey & Thompson at if you are in need of an experienced Bakersfield DUI lawyer to fight for your freedom.

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