Pittsburgh DUI Arrest Roadside Tests
Being pulled over under suspicion of DUI is a stressful experience for which most people are not prepared. Many people are uncertain about their rights and how to exercise them during a drunk driving arrest in Pittsburgh.
Field sobriety tests
During a Pittsburgh DUI stop, the police officer will ask you to complete a series of field sobriety tests to determine whether or not you are intoxicated. The only thing you are legally required to do is provide the officer with your identification information.
The officer will also ask you to perform a variety of tasks to observe your balance, pronunciation, and comprehension. These tasks may include any or all of the following:
- Horizontal gaze nystagmus: The officer will ask you to follow an object with your gaze, such as a pen, in several directions. He or she will look for involuntary eye jerking.
- Walk and turn: You will be asked to take nine steps in one direction, turn, and take nine steps back to the original position.
- One leg stand: You will be asked to raise your foot several inches from the ground and hold it there for as long as the officer tells you to while keeping your arms along the side of your body.
No matter the circumstances of your arrest, it is important to your Pittsburgh DUI defense that you remain respectful towards the officer at all times.
Breathalyzer tests
It is likely that you will be asked to take a breathalyzer test. This test involves blowing into a small handheld device that measures the alcohol content of your blood. You may refuse to comply, but this refusal is legally punishable by a year-long driver’s license suspension. Still, here is a good chance that you will be able to get an occupational license through an administrive hearing. It is therefore advisable to refuse the breathalyzer test. The results could be used against you during your DUI defense case.
Pittsburgh DUI law
It is crucial to contact an attorney immediately after your arrest for the following reasons:
- Gain awareness and protection of your legal rights
- Ensure that all evidence proving your innocence is documented quickly
- Increase the potential of dismissing your field sobriety test results
If you are searching for a DUI attorney, consider Joseph Alexander Paletta. With years of experience in Pennsylvania DUI law, Mr. Paletta will analyze your Pittsburgh DUI charges to find ways to minimize them, or even have your charges dismissed.
Contact Joseph A. Paletta today at 866-463-2257 to schedule a free initial consultation. Mr. Paletta looks forward to working with you.
