Refusing field sobriety tests in Illinois can sometimes help your DUI defense. These tests are among the main tools officers use to build probable cause for a DUI arrest. The results are often used as evidence against you in court, but the prosecution will sometimes use your refusal against you as well. If you are facing a DUI charge in Illinois in 2026, a Chicago DUI defense lawyer at Hartsfield Law can review every detail of your case and help you build the strongest possible defense.
What Are Field Sobriety Tests and Why Do Officers Use Them?
Field sobriety tests are physical and cognitive exercises that officers use during a traffic stop to evaluate whether a driver may be impaired. The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test involves following a moving object with your eyes. The Walk and Turn test requires walking heel to toe along a straight line. The One Leg Stand test requires balancing on one foot while counting.