Field Sobriety Tests

Field Sobriety Tests in Bakersfield

Aggressively Defending Our Clients’ Rights

Field sobriety tests are usually administered by law enforcement when you are pulled over with suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The law enforcement officer may ask you to perform several "tests" which are supposed to indicate whether you are intoxicated. There are several of these tests including the "walk and turn", the "horizontal gaze nystagmus" and the "one-leg stand". Interestingly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration evaluated these tests and found that even the most accurate of the three has been found to be only 77% correct and that is only when administered perfectly under perfect conditions.

Additionally, many of the "tests" used by the California Highway Patrol and the local law enforcement in Kern County have NEVER been correlated to alcohol intoxication. In fact, most of the "tests" used in Kern County have been found to not have any correlation to alcohol impairment.

Kern County Field Sobriety Tests

There are many factors that could contribute to failing a field sobriety test other than intoxication. Some of the situations that could affect the tests include:

  • Nervousness
  • Fear
  • Age
  • Language problems
  • Physical illness
  • Weight
  • Fatigue
  • Inability to understand the directions
  • Bad balance
  • Confusion

Defense Strategies Against Field Sobriety Tests

As the Field Sobriety Tests administered may be part of the evidence against you that "proves" that you were intoxicated, it is crucial that you contact an attorney who understands FST's and the limits to their usefulness. Mr. Middlebrook has been certified under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standards as an Instructor in Field Sobriety Tests.

He has undergone more than twice the training as almost all California Highway Patrol Officers on the validity and administration of Field Sobriety Tests. We maintain a complete library of all manuals used by the California Highway Patrol and each local law enforcement agency on how to administer FST's. You are not required to perform ANY "test" when suspected for DUI other than an "evidentiary" Breath or Blood Test.

Dedicated Kern County Attorney

At Middlebrook & Associates, Attorney Richard Middlebrook is trained specifically on this part of a DUI defense and will fight aggressively to protect you if you have been charged with DUI. Field sobriety tests are not deemed to be of high accuracy, and your arrest may be partially based on the determination that you were "intoxicated". This court challenge can increase the possibility of a dismissal or reduction of the charges against you.

Take advantage of the resources, skill, and dedication of Richard at Middlebrook & Associates to defend you. Every aspect of your case, including the field sobriety testing done, will be thoroughly reviewed. No case is without flaws and these flaws can bring about court challenges that can assist in your defense and greatly increase the chances of a good outcome in your case.

Contact our skilled firm online or by calling us directly at (661) 874-1325 today. 

Why Choose Middlebrook & Associates?

  • 38 Years of Collective Legal Experience
  • Over 250 DUI Trials Handled - With a 97.4% Success Rate
  • Handled More Than 8,500 DMV Hearings in Kern County
  • Expert Member of California DUI Lawyers Association
  • ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer - Scientist Designation
  • AV Rated by martindale.com - Leading Authority on Attorney Ratings
  • Teaches Lawyers & Scientists - DUIDLA, American Academy of Forensic Science & American Chemical Society
  • Founding & Board Member - DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA)
  • Top 100 Lawyers in America - DUI Defense

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Client Testimonials Hear from Real People Who We've Helped
  • “If you ever have a chance to be associated with him know you are dealing with one of the true gems of the legal profession.”
    I couldn't say more about this lawyer. If you ever have a chance to be associated with him know you are dealing with one of the true gems of the legal profession. His honesty, tenacity, depth of character is beyond reproach.
    - Jerry R.
  • “No words to describe the teams professionalism”
    I was arrested for a first time DUI on December of 2015. I went to Mr. Middlebrooks's office the very next day and explained my case. He gave me a step by step overview of what is going to happen. It would be a shame on my part if I didn't review his teams work for me. I was updated promptly and they basically took over the entire area and only called me once or twice where I was actually needed with my case. After 6 months of deliberation, he managed to get my case thrown out due to technicalities and all charges were dropped against me. My greatest gratitude goes to his entire team. I've had sleepless nights over my arrest and how my future was going to be permanently affected if I had been convicted. After researching, I noted that he actually charges a bit more than the average for a DUI attorney in town, but I have absolutely no regrets whatsoever with his service and I would not hold back from recommending his office to anyone. I truly appreciate his teams commitment to quality of work they have done.
    - Gabriel
  • “Best DUI Attorney Around!”
    Mr Middlebrook came highly recommended by a friend who is also an attorney. Mr Middlebrook's knowledge and experience was immediately evident to me during our first conversation about my DUI citation. While I've heard all too often that it's not worth trying to fight a citation for a DUI, he gave me the confidence to do so when I ended up getting one. From that day forward he and his team took care of everything and kept me well informed throughout the process. He was very responsive to any questions I had and while he provided options at every stage along the way, his advice (which you'd have to be a fool not to follow given his track record in these cases) prompted me to pursue the best outcome possible rather than settle for less. He knew he could win and he did. My case was dismissed by the judge before it ever made it in front of a jury. I couldn't be more thankful to him and to my friend for the reference. Hopefully this recommendation will help others achieve a similar outcome by utilizing his expertise. He's worth every penny. Give him a call and speak to him just once about his experience and advice as it pertains to your specific situation. You'll understand what I mean.
    - Eric
  • “Highly recommended!”
    Middlebrook & Associates helped me out with my dui pretty much got me through everything without having to do anything never got my license suspended 1 day there were there anytime I needed to ask questions as well highly recommended.
    - Hector G.

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