About Field Sobriety Tests

Law Offices of Tim Powers
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From its offices in Collin County and Denton County, Texas, the Law Offices of Tim Powers serves clients accused of a number of misdemeanors and felonies. Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a common offense handled by attorneys at the Law Offices of Tim Powers.

When a driver is pulled over by law enforcement and intoxication is suspected, the officer may administer a field sobriety test. A field sobriety test, commonly abbreviated as FST, involves a driver answering questions and performing a series of movements. The intended purpose of an FST is to test a person’s motor and cognition function.

Common exercises in an FST include reciting the alphabet and bringing a finger to one’s noise. In addition to physical movements, law enforcement officers evaluate a person’s ability to follow commands properly. If a person is charged with a DWI, an attorney may challenge the validity of the FST as part of a defense strategy.