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The one-leg stand test for drunk driving

On Behalf of | Aug 17, 2017 | DWI Defense |

An important thing for anyone who drives in Texas to understand is what may happen to them if they are stopped by police officers. There are many reasons you might be pulled over ranging from basic speeding to even having a tail light that is out. Once you are stopped, however, a law enforcement officer may well be able to pursue other issues if they feel there is reason. Drunk driving is one of these issues. 

If an officer were to believe you have been drinking before you drove or even while you were driving, you might be asked to take certain tests. As FieldSobrietyTests.org explains, these roadside tests do not in any way determine whether or not you are intoxicated but are meant to give an officer enough reason to support placing you under arrest for suspected drunk driving. Among the tests that may be used is the one-leg stand test.

As the name implies, this test requires that you stand on one leg and balance perfectly without swaying or in any way finding assistance for balance such as putting your arms out. Any hop or placing of your foot on the ground even for a moment may result in failure of the test. This test is said to be accurate 65 percent of the time.

If you would like to learn more about the one-leg stand test and other elements involved in a drunk driving arrest, please feel free to visit the field sobriety test page of our Texas criminal defense website.

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