California DUI evidence falls into five categories:

• Driving pattern (usually lane straddling or weaving)
• Symptoms of the person (bloodshot eyes, slurred speech)
• Field Sobriety Tests
  
• Blood-alcohol level (by breath and by blood)
  

Challenging the efficacy and reliability of field sobriety tests (known by police officers and lawyers as FST's) is becoming common practice with competent criminal defense lawyers.

FST's are simply a series of exercises that test coordination, divided attention (ability to do two things at once), and balance. There are over 15 such tests, including one-leg stand, walk-and-turn, following an object from side-to-side with your eyes, finger to nose, and alphabet recitation.

SUCH TESTS CAN BE DIFFICULT FOR MANY PEOPLE TO PASS WHEN THEY ARE STONE SOBER. And the decision as to whether you "pass" is 100% subjective: it is just the officer's personal judgment.

There are only three FST's that are reliable, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They are: following an object from side-to-side with your eyes; one-leg stand, and walk-and-turn.

All other field sobriety tests can be legally challenged.

For a free consultation, contact the Law Offices of Douglas Slain online, or call toll-free 888-998-5558.