What Happens During A Lancaster Field Sobriety Test?

At Avengers Bail Bonds we want to provide you with the best information and that is why knowing about how a Lancaster field sobriety test really works is important. We know that getting pulled over for a simple traffic violation like speeding, running a red light, or any other reason can be stressful enough. 

But, getting pulled over and having to go through the song and dance of a field sobriety test, can be a terrifying experience. So, Avengers Bail Bonds put this blog together to help prepare you if you get pulled over and suspected of a DUI.

Normally when someone gets pulled over for a DUI (also known as; driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs), they believe that it is required to submit to a variety of field sobriety tests. What most people don’t know is that they may not be a requirement.

Is a Lancaster Field Sobriety Test Mandatory?

No, a Lancaster field sobriety test is not mandatory. But the local Lancaster Sheriff’s officers won’t tell you this, they want to use these results to justify arresting you and build a case against you to give to the DA’s office.

What the officers won’t tell you, is that it’s very well within your rights to refuse any field sobriety tests without punishment. Now, law enforcement officers can be pretty intimidating, and we all know this, but don’t allow the officer to trick you or intimidate you into taking a field sobriety test.

Simply put, respectfully and politely refuse the field sobriety test, as refusing the test cannot be used against you.

However, in the State of California, the law is quite clear, and the law does require that you submit to at least form of chemical testing if you are ever arrested for driving under the influence. But, if you refuse to submit to the chemical test, it could be considered an admission of guilt and result in jail time, fines and/or the suspension of your driver’s license. Get in touch with a local Cheap Lancaster Bail Bonds today.

Why do They Use These Tests?

Lancaster Sheriff Officers use several different field sobriety tests. You’ve all seen the song and dance routine on TV, most of these tests will include the straight line walk and turn test.  Then the officer may have you stand on one leg, or the officer may give you the horizontal eye test.

What no one ever tells you, is that the standard field sobriety tests where designed for you to fail.  And once you fail the tests the results are used as evidence that you have been driving while intoxicated. The more you fail the more evidence they have against you.

There are procedures are in place that the officers must be followed at all times, especially when dealing with DUI suspects. Lancaster Sheriff officers receive extensive training on how to conduct field sobriety tests. They have to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency to become certified to administer the tests.

If an officer does not follow the proper procedures or guidelines that are in place, the field sobriety test could be considered inadmissible in court.

If I Get Arrested for DUI, Will I be Able to Post Bail?

Well here’s the thing, if you’re arrested for a DUI, and it’s the first time you have been arrested for that charge, you will most likely be released what is called cite released.  This means that you will be released with just a signature, typically after the mandatory 12-hour detox hold period. 

However, there are some instances where bail may be required, such as;

• Being involved in an accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs that causes injury or death.
• Having a prior driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs within a 10-year period.
• Having a prior DUI involving an accident causing an injury or death.

In these types of cases the jail and cort will most likely set a bail bond amount. A bail bond amount is a specific dollar amount that must be paid to the jail or court before you can be released from jail.

If the bail bond amount required is not paid, then you will most likely remain in jail until the case is resolved.

What Happens After the Bail Amount is Set?

After the bail amount has been set, you can may start making phone calls to help get out of jail, you will be allowed to contact friends, family or contact a local Lancaster bail bonds company, like the highly skilled and knowledgeable bail agents at Avengers Bail Bonds.

We can make arrangements directly with you from your jail cell or make arrangements with your friends and family to get you out immediately. Here at Avengers Bail Bonds you only pay a fraction of the total bail bond amount.

Listed below are just a few field sobriety tests Lancaster Officers may attempt to put you through;

The Straight-Line Walk Test

This test is exactly as it sounds, the driver of the vehicle is to step out of the vehicle, once out of the vehicle the officer will ask you to walk straight line. Call for Cheap Bail Bonds today if you’re arrested. The walk is typically not that long and is only for a certain number of steps. Once the officer tells you to stop, he will ask you to turn around and return to the original starting position.

During the straight-line test, the officer is looking to see if you can obviously walk straight and while maintaining your balance without swaying or falling down. 

Every once in a while, the officer may ask you to count your steps out-loud, just to see if you can do more than one thing at a time. As most intoxicated people will not be able to perform the tasks at the same time.

The Stand on One Leg and Balance Test

Again, this is exactly as it sounds, normally at this point they have already given the straight-line test. And now the officer askes the driver of the vehicle to stand in a stationary position and lift one leg off the ground. They must hold their leg off the ground for a given length of time that is determined by the officer.

Obviously, the officer is conducting this test to see if you can maintain your balance. Most people that are Intoxicated won’t be able to maintain their balance.  They will often feel the need to put their foot down or take other action to avoid falling over.

The Horizontal Eye Test

The purpose of this test is so the officer can look at your eye, they will tell you to follow an object (usually a finger, a pen or maybe a small flashlight) to track a back and forth motion.

The officer is looking to see if the eyes move back and forth smoothly. If a person is intoxicated, their eyes may not move as smoothly.

What if I Fail the Lancaster Field Sobriety Test?

If you fail the field sobriety test, you will be required to submit to evidentiary testing, such as the breathalyzer test, or a blood test or urine sample.

After a person has failed the field sobriety test, odds are you will be handcuffed, placed under arrest and charged with a DUI.

I can’t stress this enough; a DUI charge can have a major impact on your life.  First of all, a DUI will stay on your record for a period of 10 years and then there’s the possibility of thousands of dollars in fines. Let’s not forget that there could be jail time, probation and even suspension of your driving privileges.

If you have any prior DUI convictions, then the potential penalties are more significant. In some situations, you can reduce the chance of a harsh sentence by voluntarily pursuing treatment options or other efforts during your release.

How to Contact Avengers Bail Bonds in Lancaster

If you, a friend or a loved one get arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you should contact your local Bail Bonds Lancaster agent from Avengers Bail Bonds.  We have agents standing by 24/7 ready to answer all your bail bond questions. Call us now (661) 206-3055 or toll free (888) NO-JAILS.