What Happens After You Fail A Field Sobriety Test?

If you have been suspected of driving under the influence (DUI), you will be asked to perform a field sobriety test. Most often, this will include a breathalyzer test, although there can also be a few other components to this test. In this article, we share with you more about what happens after you fail a field sobriety test.

Understanding Field Sobriety Tests

The first part of a field sobriety test will be administering a breathalyzer test. If you fail, you will be escorted to the nearest police station where your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) will be checked once more. Sometimes, you can be asked to perform some simple tasks such as walking in a straight line and reciting the alphabet. Other parts of a field sobriety test can include eye examinations and a balance test.

What Should You Do After A Field Sobriety Test?

You may be wondering, what next? After failing a field sobriety test, you should consider your legal options, such as whether to hire an attorney or represent yourself in court. While your decision will largely depend on the facts of the case, keep in mind that an attorney may not be able to get you out of a charge completely, especially if someone was injured or killed.

However, what they can do is advise on the next steps to take in the hopes of a lighter sentence. For instance, your attorney may recommend that you sign up for DUI education classes before a sentence has been passed to show that you are taking accountability for your actions.

Consequences of a DUI Charge

The legal consequences of a DUI charge can be multi-fold, but that’s not all you have to contend with. From fines and license suspension to mandatory DUI education classes, you may find that you no longer have a vehicle to get you around in the meantime. This can be problematic if you rely on your car to get to work, or if your job involves driving.

However, what is often not mentioned is the emotional distress that can come with a DUI charge. Besides feelings of guilt and depression that can result in poor mental health, your personal and working relationships may also experience a strain. However, the good news is that help is readily available as long as you are willing to ask for it.

Attend DUI Education Classes

At Jackson-Bibby Awareness Group, we are committed to helping DUI offenders complete the requirements of their sentence and get their license reinstated as soon as possible. For social distancing purposes, we are currently offering individual and group counselling sessions via Zoom, which you are expected to attend and participate in actively. Telehealth sessions are expected to go on for a limited time only and DUI education classes will resume in person as soon as it’s safe to. If you require more information, please feel free to take a look through our FAQs.