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This
description of the One Leg Stand Test posted by
Florida DUI Lawyer. *
Parks
& Braxton, your best resource for a Florida
DUI Lawyer, wants you to be well informed.
Here is a basic description of the One Leg Stand
test:
- The
current manual advise that this test must be
performed on a reasonably level and smooth surface.
There should be adequate lighting for the suspect
to have a visual frame of reference. Conditions
must be such that the suspect would be in no
danger if he or she were to fall. Certain wind/weather
conditions obviously may interfere with and
affect the validity of this test. This test
should not be given to persons who are more
than sixty five years of age, more than fifty
pounds overweight, or with physical impairments
that interfere with balance. Persons with injuries
to their legs and inner ear disorders may have
difficulty with this test. Individuals wearing
heels more than two inches high should be given
the opportunity to remove their shoes. It is
imperative that the officer observe the suspect
from at least three feet away, and remain as
motionless as possible while the suspect is
performing this test, so as not to interfere
with the test.
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This test also has two separate stages. The
first stage is also called the Instruction Stage.
The test is initiated by giving verbal instructions,
followed by and accompanied by demonstration.
The officer is trained to advise the suspect
to stand with their feet together and arms down
at their sides.
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The officer must demonstrate this. The suspect
should be told not to start the test until told
to do so and acknowledge that they understand
the instructions. This acknowledgement should
be documented. There are no scoring factors
involved until the suspect is into the next
stage which is called the Balance and Counting
Stage, unless the suspect can not perform the
test at all. In this case, the suspect would
be given a maximum score of four points. This
would necessitate explanation on the part of
the officer. It cannot be scored simply when
the suspect refuses to perform the test.
This
material is for informational purposes only. If
you want to know how the SFST tests affect you,
please contact Florida DUI
Lawyers, Parks &
Braxton
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