DUI Defense Lawyer in Coronado, CA

DUI Defense Lawyer in Coronado, CA

Experienced Coronado DUI Lawyer

There are times when we make mistakes that can significantly impact our future and force us to face serious consequences. Driving under the influence of alcohol can not only harm the driver but others around the vehicle. Alcohol in a person’s system disrupts their coordination and decision-making abilities. If you are caught driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.08 %, you can suffer DUI charges that lead to a suspended license, severe fines, and even jail time.  Learn more from an experienced Coronado DUI lawyer.

When you’re charged with a DUI in Coronado, California, your punishments depend on how high your BAC is and whether you have any previous DUI offenses. An experienced Coronado DUI lawyer at Dod Law, APC understands what needs to be done for you to have reduced penalties and a favorable outcome. There are many stages in a DUI conviction process, and with the help of a dependable criminal defense attorney, you can feel confident that your rights and intentions are being respected.

What Are Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs)?

A Field Sobriety Test (FSTs), also known as a Divided Attention Test, examines a person’s physical and mental state to test for impairment. There are many examples of these tests, but all have the same goal of judging whether the person is mentally and physically capable of following and carrying out the instructions. The following are a few examples of field sobriety tests used when testing for DUIs:

• Nystagmus: During this test, the officer will ask the driver to follow their finger as they monitor whether or not the drivers’ eyes can smoothly follow the movement. The finger or pencil is around six inches away from the person’s face, and if you fail, you may be considered impaired.
• Standing on One Leg: An office may ask the person to stand on one leg to test their balance. By placing their hands on their sides and standing on one leg, the office will see if they are swaying or unable to keep their balance for a certain amount of time. 
• Walk and Turn: The walk and turn test will measure balance and the ability to follow directions. The officer will ask the person to walk a certain number of steps, turn back, and then walk the same amount of steps back. By asking the person to count, they are testing their mental ability and whether they are fully capable of keeping track of their steps. 
• Finger to Nose: Standing straight, the officer will ask the person to close their eyes, extend their arms, and touch their finger to their nose. If you miss your finger, lose balance, or experience muscle tremors, you may be considered driving under the influence. 
• The Rhomberg Balance Test: For this test, the officer will ask the driver to stand straight, tilt their head back, close their eyes, and count how long it takes for 30 seconds to pass. While you estimate how long 30 seconds is, the officer will observe your behavior and make a note of any loss of balance, muscle spasms, or incorrect perception of time.

Field sobriety tests can help an officer tell whether a person is intoxicated without a breathalyzer test. In many cases, an officer may ask you to perform these tests before administering a breathalyzer test, so they may save resources and time. However, if they decide you are intoxicated only based on these tests, you may suffer consequences from actions you did not commit. 

What Can Affect a Field Sobriety Test?

Field sobriety tests are helpful but not always accurate. They can point to someone being intoxicated while driving when the reality is that there are other forces playing a significant role in making a person seem as if they are intoxicated. Some of the following conditions are great examples of what factors can impact a field sobriety test:

• Medical conditions
• Weather conditions
• Anxiety and stress
• Fatigue
• Weight 
• Not understanding the instructions 

If an officer charges you with a DUI with only a field sobriety test as evidence, you can show that you were not intoxicated and that the officer did not perform a breathalyzer test to determine whether you had a high enough alcohol content in your bloodstream determine that you were too impaired to drive. An experienced DUI lawyer can help you show your sobriety in legal proceedings with the help of extensive knowledge of the law and by helping you gather the necessary evidence you need for the case. 

Trust a Dependable DUI Attorney at Dod Law Today

When you are charged with a DUI, you can suffer severe consequences that impact you and your future. From job applications to applying for loans, there are many areas where you’ll be asked about your criminal background. The punishments may cause you to completely change your current life and make it, so you are unable to continue pursuing a career or area of expertise.

Working with a reliable DUI lawyer at Dod Law, APC, can help you during your legal conflict. Not only can they help gather crucial evidence, but they also offer advice you may need during these stressful times. With years of experience working with clients across the state of California, Attorney Dod can offer you accessible communication and legal guidance you can trust. 

Call our downtown San Diego office (619) 814-5110 | Vista office 760-814-6025 or fill out our contact form to learn more about how we can help your case. 

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