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Legal concept

Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs)

Voluntary roadside tests an officer asks for when they believe they may be dealing with a DUI.

What Right Law Group attorneys say

So, at whatever point the officer believes that they they um may be dealing with a DUI, at that point they will be asking for something called SFSTs or standardized field sobriety tests. Um no, also known as roadside tests. So, um for that they're going to be uh it is voluntary. That is something that they make clear. Um they're often very good at getting people to do these. Um but it is voluntary and it's important that people remember that.
Gannon Becker · DUI Evidence in Colorado | How Prosecutors Build Cases Against YouWatch clip ↗
The things that they'll look for generally speaking are horizontal gaze and stagmas tests. So they'll hold a stimulus in front of their eyes. Um, and they'll look for equal tracking. They'll look for jumping uh in the eyes, things like that. And there are uh a number of different clues that they can pick up from that. Uh from there, they'll do the walk and turn test. Um so walking in a line, making sure that that you're actually able to do that and follow instructions. And then the one leg stand test, which is a balancing test. So, those are generally the three the three tests that they'll that they'll do for SFSTs.
Gannon Becker · DUI Evidence in Colorado | How Prosecutors Build Cases Against YouWatch clip ↗
So often times after the SFSTs are completed uh the officers will ask if you want to do a PBT or a preliminary breath test. So that's just a essentially a roadside breath test. It's not admissible in trial. Um, but it is something that the officers can use to determine whether there's probable cause in your case. And so if that PBT comes up showing that it's over 008, that gives them reason uh to make an arrest.
Gannon Becker · DUI Evidence in Colorado | How Prosecutors Build Cases Against YouWatch clip ↗
for that they're going to be uh it is voluntary. That is something that they make clear. Um they're often very good at getting people to do these. Um but it is voluntary and it's important that people remember that.
Gannon Becker · DUI Evidence in Colorado | How Prosecutors Build Cases Against YouWatch clip ↗

Frequently asked questions

BAC Test: What Happens If You Refuse a Breathalyzer in Colorado?

Right Law Group's guide explains: "Refusing a breathalyzer in Colorado is one of the biggest mistakes you can make if you are pulled over for DUI . While some drivers refuse a breathalyzer because they are simply afraid they will test positive, others refuse the test without knowing that their decision could have a serious negative impact on their case."

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Refusing Field Sobriety Tests in Colorado: Can You Say No?

Right Law Group's guide explains: "If you’re stopped for suspected DUI in Colorado, one of the most confusing moments happens when the officer asks you to step out of the vehicle and perform roadside tests."

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What Evidence Does the Prosecutor Use in Colorado DUI Cases?

Right Law Group's guide explains: "Ever wondered how the state builds a case against you in a DUI charge ? It might seem like it all comes down to the blood alcohol content (BAC) number."

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Each answer links directly to the source where a Right Law Group attorney addressed this question.

3 answers grounded in Right Law Group sources

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What clients say

The situation

a DUI case

What changed

knows the law and helps represent you to the best of their ability

The result

helped me get a DUI case dismissed in El Paso county

Jason M. Zoe Levesque★★★★★Google verified
The situation

pulled over in Manitou Springs and accused of a DUI… even though I was completely sober!

What changed

They took the time to hear me out, review every detail of my case, and make sure I was never left in the dark

The result

Dismissed at the DMV hearing, and dismissed in court

Dylan R. Zoe Levesque★★★★★Google verified
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