Chemical Testing And Fsts In Ventura Dui Cases
States across the U.S.A. continue to amend legislations and laws while upgrading practices in an attempt to promote and cultivate safe driving habits amongst the masses. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals that checkpoints have so far provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies while substantially cutting costs.
Consequently, recent Ventura DUI updates inform us about the checkpoints set up at undisclosed locations by various police department's traffic units between the hours of 7 pm and 3 am. These checkpoints consist of officers checking drivers for drug or alcohol impairment by using FSTs and chemical testing. The locations tend to be strategically positioned in areas that allow for ample scope of substance impaired driving and resultant mishaps.
Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs)
These tests are put in place to affirm the driver's balance, ability to follow instructions and basic coordination needed to drive safely. Hence, FSTs can be said to start before you even get pulled over. An officer is likely to stop you when, as per traffic rules, you're driving rash. For example, changing lanes dangerously, swaying, giving wrong signals, speeding, etc. The officer will then simply observe your conduct and ask you to perform the official FSTs if you -
€ Smell of alcohol or any other substances
€ Fumble with basic tasks like pulling documents, license, opening or closing doors/windows
€ Cannot maintain balance or lean on things for support
€ Have bloodshot or watery eyes
€ Respond slowly, erratically or keep repeating questions or answers
€ Have slurred speech or have difficulty concentrating
The common Ventura DUI FSTs consist of a horizontal gaze eye test wherein you're supposed to follow the movement of the object with your eyes without turning your head; followed by a walk and turn wherein you're asked to walk a few steps toe to toe, and then turn around and walk back; you will then be asked to stand on one leg then lift, balance and rest that leg per the officer's instructions. Other tests like, touching your finger to your nose or tilting your head back while standing with feet together could also be asked for.
It must be noted that such observations are subjective and your Ventura DUI attorney will challenge these preliminary observations for each of the above actions. Many of these actions can also because by other legitimate reasons. These reasons are why most people hire a lawyer before the proceedings get worse.
Chemical Tests
Testing blood, urine and breath comprises the scope of chemical testing for sobriety that results in the BAC reading. A specialized DUI attorney will know how to protect you from the other lawful reasons for a high BAC reading such as defective breathalyzers, empty stomach, medical problems, testing procedural details, checking if protocols were followed and so on.
Consequently, recent Ventura DUI updates inform us about the checkpoints set up at undisclosed locations by various police department's traffic units between the hours of 7 pm and 3 am. These checkpoints consist of officers checking drivers for drug or alcohol impairment by using FSTs and chemical testing. The locations tend to be strategically positioned in areas that allow for ample scope of substance impaired driving and resultant mishaps.
Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs)
These tests are put in place to affirm the driver's balance, ability to follow instructions and basic coordination needed to drive safely. Hence, FSTs can be said to start before you even get pulled over. An officer is likely to stop you when, as per traffic rules, you're driving rash. For example, changing lanes dangerously, swaying, giving wrong signals, speeding, etc. The officer will then simply observe your conduct and ask you to perform the official FSTs if you -
€ Smell of alcohol or any other substances
€ Fumble with basic tasks like pulling documents, license, opening or closing doors/windows
€ Cannot maintain balance or lean on things for support
€ Have bloodshot or watery eyes
€ Respond slowly, erratically or keep repeating questions or answers
€ Have slurred speech or have difficulty concentrating
The common Ventura DUI FSTs consist of a horizontal gaze eye test wherein you're supposed to follow the movement of the object with your eyes without turning your head; followed by a walk and turn wherein you're asked to walk a few steps toe to toe, and then turn around and walk back; you will then be asked to stand on one leg then lift, balance and rest that leg per the officer's instructions. Other tests like, touching your finger to your nose or tilting your head back while standing with feet together could also be asked for.
It must be noted that such observations are subjective and your Ventura DUI attorney will challenge these preliminary observations for each of the above actions. Many of these actions can also because by other legitimate reasons. These reasons are why most people hire a lawyer before the proceedings get worse.
Chemical Tests
Testing blood, urine and breath comprises the scope of chemical testing for sobriety that results in the BAC reading. A specialized DUI attorney will know how to protect you from the other lawful reasons for a high BAC reading such as defective breathalyzers, empty stomach, medical problems, testing procedural details, checking if protocols were followed and so on.
Source...