Atlanta, Georgia Walk-and-Turn Test

Atlanta law enforcement agents are trained to administer three field sobriety tests to drivers suspected of driving under the influence (DUI): the walk-and-turn, horizontal gaze nystagmus, and one-leg stand test. These tests were designed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to determine if there is enough evidence of intoxication to make a drunk-driving arrest. If you were charged with DUI as a result of failing the Atlanta, Georgia walk-and-turn test, you should immediately contact a lawyer with a proven track record to defend you against these accusations.

Like the one-leg stand test, the walk-and-turn test is classified as a “divided attention” test; that is, it measures your physical and mental abilities. If the officer believes that your ability to follow instructions and perform the physical aspects of the test is diminished because of intoxication, you will receive a failing score and can be placed under arrest.

The walk-and-turn test has two phases: instruction and performance. During the instruction phase, the officer will ask you to stand in an awkward stance, where you will remain while listening to his or her instructions.

To perform the test, you will take nine heel-to-toe steps forward on an imaginary line, pivot, and take nine heel-to-toe steps back. You must also count each step out loud. While you perform this test, the officer will look for six clues: inability to stay balanced while listening to the officer’s instructions, stepping off the imaginary line, pivoting improperly, missing steps, failing to take the correct number of steps, and failing to count each step. If you exhibit two or more of these clues, you will be arrested for drunk driving.

Field sobriety tests, such as the Atlanta, Georgia walk-and-turn test, are difficult for many people to perform. While intoxication could be a factor, nervousness, age, weight, and physical disabilities could also lead to a failing score. Fortunately, a skilled DUI lawyer may be able to challenge these tests in order to obtain a successful resolution for your case.

If you recently failed the walk-and-turn test and were subsequently charged with a DUI, you need a skilled lawyer on your side. Get in touch Tom Thomas, Attorney At Law and submit your information online today.