Failing a field sobriety test in Missouri is more common than many people realize. Sober drivers fail these tests for various reasons unrelated to alcohol. Medical conditions, nervousness and uneven pavement all affect performance. Despite this reality, failing these tests typically leads to arrest and serious legal consequences. Understanding what happens next can provide some direction during this overwhelming time.
What are field sobriety tests?
Officers use field sobriety tests to check if a driver is impaired. These tests measure balance and coordination. Common tests include:
- Walking in a straight line while counting steps and turning around
- Standing on one leg for a period of time while counting
- Following an object with the eyes while keeping the head still
Officers use the results to decide whether to make an arrest. The tests can provide evidence that supports probable cause. However, they are only one factor officers may consider when evaluating impairment.
Does failing a test mean a conviction?
Failing a field sobriety test does not always mean someone was actually impaired. Many sober individuals fail them for legitimate reasons. Age and physical limitations can make the tests difficult. Injuries or disabilities interfere with coordination. Poor lighting can also make it hard to see where to step.
As a result, officers may misinterpret normal behavior as signs of intoxication. Since these tests rely on observations, outside factors can affect the results. A failed test alone does not prove guilt.
What steps follow a failed test?
After failing a field sobriety test, officers usually make an arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI). The driver will be taken into custody and transported to a station or testing facility. Officers then request a chemical test under Missouri’s implied consent law. This usually means a breathalyzer or blood test.
Refusing the chemical test triggers automatic license revocation for one year under Missouri’s implied consent law. Revocation completely terminates driving privileges, which means drivers must go through a formal reinstatement process.
Chemical test results can become important evidence in a DWI case. However, you may challenge those results if testing procedures were not followed properly. Equipment issues or other factors may also affect their accuracy.
Protecting your rights after a DWI arrest
A failed field sobriety test can feel overwhelming. However, it does not determine the outcome of a DWI case. The decisions you make after an arrest may affect how the case moves forward. Focus on important details, including the events leading up to the stop and how officers conducted the testing. Understanding potential challenges to these details can help protect your rights through the process.