O'Fallon DWI Lawyers

DWI Field Sobriety Tests

The O'Fallon, Missouri DWI defense attorneys at Suddarth & Koor, LLC know DWI prosecutions often include evidence such as witness testimony, chemical tests and field sobriety tests. Field sobriety tests were developed as a means of testing a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely. Field sobriety tests do not determine a person’s level of impairment, just the physical ability of the driver to operate a vehicle safely.

Field sobriety tests allow a police officer to observe factors to determine driver impairment, including:

• a person’s balance
• physical abilities
• attention level
• ability to follow instructions
• ability to speak clearly
• other factors such as simple cognitive functions (counting, etc.)

In some cases, a skilled DWI attorney may be able to have the results of field sobriety tests excluded as evidence against a person if the tests are not administered properly. An example of a field sobriety test administered incorrectly would be asking a person to perform balance tests on unstable ground or other adverse conditions.

A common myth regarding DWI in Missouri is the use of DWI checkpoints. These checkpoints are often setup on weekends and holidays, especially New Year’s Eve and three day weekends that include a holiday. Contrary to popular belief, in the vast majority of cases, the states have upheld these checkpoints as legal and are not unconstitutional.

Contact Suddarth & Koor, LLC to schedule an initial consultation and learn how the law applies to your specific situation.

Contact Suddarth & Koor, LLC


We accept Visa and MasterCard.

Suddarth & Koor, LLC
St. Charles County Lawyers