Drunk driving is a serious problem in the San Antonio area.
Driver Arrested After Crashing Into Goodwill
According to a KENS5 News report, a woman was arrested on the West Side after crashing her vehicle into a Goodwill store on Sunday night.
Police reported the incident occurred at around 11:30 p.m. when a woman crashed her car through the front of the Goodwill store on Fredricksburg. No injuries were reported, but the woman was arrested on suspicion of a DWI after taking a field sobriety test. Apparently, the woman lost control of her vehicle while driving on the street, causing her to crash. Crews are working to repair the damage.
Did You Know?
More than 90,000 DUI arrests are made in Texas every year.
What You Need to Know About Field Sobriety Tests in San Antonio
If an officer pulls you over for erratic driving or notices any signs of intoxication, they will likely ask you to take a field sobriety test. This article will explain the most commonly used tests, when you can’t refuse to take them, and what a defense against them might look like.
Types of Standardized Feild Sobriety Tests Used in San Antonio
There are three major types of tests used by officers to determine whether an individual might be drunk. Those are:
- One Leg Stand — This test is used to determine balance, which is affected by alcohol consumption. In this test, you will be asked to stand on one foot with your arms at your side for 30 seconds. Actions like using your arms to balance or swaying may be used as a sign that you are drunk.
- Nysgatamis Test — This test is used to determine if any involuntary eye movement occurs, which is a side effect of alcohol consumption. The officer will hold an object and ask you to follow it with your eyes without turning your head.
- Heel-to-Toe Walk and Turn — This test is used to determine an individual’s ability to understand and follow instructions, which is affected by alcohol consumption. First, the officer will explain and demonstrate the test, where you must walk with one foot in front of the other on an imaginary line, turn around, and walk back. Starting early, losing balance, or falling off the line may be used as a sign that you are drunk.
When You Cannot Refuse a Test in San Antonio
Normally, you can refuse to take a field sobriety test, though there are consequences for this action. But, you may not refuse a BAC test in the following scenarios:
- A minor is in the vehicle with you
- Someone was injured in an accident
- Someone was killed in an accident
- You have a DWI on your record
Field Sobriety Test Defense
While these tests can accurately determine if a person is drunk, they are not infallible. Sometimes, they are conducted on uneven surfaces, causing the person to lose balance when they are not drunk. Some people have conditions that make them appear to be intoxicated when they aren’t.
If you failed a field sobriety test in San Antonio, you need a criminal defense attorney to protect your rights.
Hire Carabin Shaw Criminal Defense Attorneys
A DWI conviction can ruin your life. If you were arrested on suspicion of driving drunk, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Carabin Shaw today. We have thirty years of experience representing the wrongfully accused in San Antonio, and we care. Contact us at 800-862-1260 or use the live chat at the bottom right of your screen. We look forward to serving you.