If a police officer stops you for suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), they will likely ask you to submit to standardized field sobriety and blood alcohol content (BAC) tests. Under Illinois law, you can refuse to participate in field sobriety tests, but that does not mean that you cannot be arrested for DUI. An Elgin, IL DUI defense attorney can help you understand the role of field sobriety tests in DUI arrests and how refusing could impact your case.
What Are Field Sobriety Tests?
There are three types of standard field sobriety tests:
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Horizontal gaze nystagmus: The officer will ask you to follow an object, usually a pen, with your eyes to test for an involuntary jerking of the eyeball that increases with alcohol consumption.
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Walk and turn: The officer will ask you to stand on a line, walk heel-to-toe, turn, and walk back to observe your balance.