Virginia DUI Walk and Turn Test
When an officer pulls over a driver on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), he or she may administer field sobriety tests, such as the Virginia walk-and-turn test, to determine if a drunk-driving arrest can be made. Because this test measures both your physical and cognitive abilities, law enforcement agencies use it to establish if a driver is impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. However, this test is not always accurate. If you are facing DUI charges after performing the walk-and-turn test, you should immediately contact a qualified defense lawyer to handle your case.
The Virginia DUI walk-and-turn test consists of an instruction stage and a performance stage. During the instruction stage, the officer will ask you to stand in a certain manner while he or she provides instructions on how to perform the test. At the same time, the officer will look for “clues,” such as inability to maintain balance while listening to directions, to determine if you are intoxicated.
To perform the walk-and-turn test, you will take nine heel-to-toe steps down a real or imaginary line, pivot in a specific manner, then take nine steps back. You must also count each step out loud. During the test, the officer will look for clues, which include: taking the wrong number of steps, stepping off of the line, failing to count aloud, using arms for balance, performing the turn incorrectly, and failing to touch heel to toe. If the officer sees two or more of these clues, you will meet the criteria for a DUI arrest.
If you were arrested for drunk driving after failing the Virginia DUI walk-and-turn test, please know that fighting your charges is still possible. With a skilled DUI defense attorney on your side, you can challenge the results of your test in an effort to get them dismissed.
The DUI lawyers at The Law Office of Michael C. Tillotson have completed courses on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) field sobriety tests. Thanks to their training, they can investigate your case to determine if the officer properly administered the walk-and-turn test. If the officer didn’t explain the test correctly or adverse conditions affected your performance, your score may be challenged.
For more information on how The Law Office of Michael C. Tillotson can defend your Virginia DUI case, and to receive a free consultation, please schedule an appointment by filling out our online contact form today.
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