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A
description of Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
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 Walk
and Turn test:
- The
officer must observe the suspect from three
or four feet away and remain motionless while
the suspect performs the test. Being too close
or excessive motion may affect the reliability
of this test. The officer must give good verbal
instructions and accompany the test with a complete
demonstration. The suspect must understand the
instructions and acknowledge understanding prior
to the test beginning. The officer should document
that affirmative response. This test is scored
in relation to eight scoring factors that can
be seen in two separate stages. The first stage
of this test is called the Instruction Stage.
- This
will set the stage for the entire test. If the
officer does not follow training and procedure
during this stage, it may affect the validity
of the entire test. The officer must verbally
tell the suspect to place their left foot on
the line and to place their own left foot on
the line during demonstration. The person is
then told to place their right foot on the line,
ahead of their left foot, with the heel of the
right foot against the toe of the left foot.
This is also demonstrated. The person is then
told to place their arms down at their side.
They are instructed to maintain this position
until told to begin and not to start until told
to do so. They must then indicate an understanding
of the test after being asked if they understand.
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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