“Probable Cause” and Tempe Field Sobriety Tests

The use of field sobriety tests during a Tempe DUI stop has been argued against many times. These types of roadside tests can be very unreliable, but they can still be used as “probable cause” for an Arizona DUI arrest.

You may be asked by police to walk a straight line, touch your finger to your nose, recite the alphabet backwards, or any number of other mental or physical tests. Although this may seem to work part of the time, there are many reasons a completely sober person may perform poorly.

People who are elderly, suffering from certain medical conditions, have prior injuries, or are overweight may not be able to complete these tests to the satisfaction of officers and could be arrested-despite being entirely sober at the time of the DUI arrest in Tempe.

You do have the right to refuse a field sobriety test in Arizona. It may even be in your best interest to do so. If you have any questions about your Tempe DUI arrest, contact an experienced Tempe criminal defense lawyer at 1-888-929-5292 today. For more information, request a FREE copy of our helpful book, DUI’s in Arizona – What You Must Know.