Field Sobriety Test Expert Chris Cessna

NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Tests & DUI

Before an officer can place you under arrest for DUI, they must have probable cause to believe you are too intoxicated to be driving. One way to gauge a driver’s level of sobriety is by asking him or her to complete a series of standardized field sobriety tests. These tests examine involuntary movement in a driver's eyes while other tests challenge a driver’s physical coordination, reaction time, level of alertness, and ability to follow instructions. NHTSA is an acronym for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This is the federal agency that formulated these tests over 20 years ago, and which are now the standard tests used by police across the United States.

Watch our video about Field Sobriety Tests!

Attorney Chris Cessna was trained and certified to adminster these tests while serving as a DUI Police Officer before becoming a lawyer. Since becoming a lawyer, Chris Cessna has been recognized and qualifed by the Colorado Courts as an expert in the administration and interpretation in NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFSTs). In fact many Colorado attorneys who take DUI cases actually hire Mr. Cessna as an expert witness to defend their client.

Mr. Cessna also holds the highest NHTSA certification available - that being a trained NHTSA Instructor. In fact, Chris Cessna has been asked to instruct police officers in other parts of the country and other lawyers in Colorado on a regular basis. Chris Cessna knows that this roadside test evidence that the government will try to use against you is often obtained improperly and interpreted incorrectly, and Mr. Cessna has the experience and expertise to often invalidate this evidence in court.

While there are many different types of field sobriety tests, police officers in Metro Denver typically require drivers to perform a standardized battery of three tests:

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus: The driver is instructed to follow a "stimulus," such as the officer's pen or finger as he or she moves it across their field of vision. If the driver’s eyes twitch or jerk involuntarily, it can indicate the driver may be impaired. However, although many people consider this test to be the most reliable of all field sobriety tests, it is not immune to inaccuracies. In fact, there are many different forms or types of nystagmus. Nystagmus is a very real medical condition that affects hundreds, if not thousands, of people who are not impaired. People with nystagmus can experience eye twitching or jerking even if they don't drink.

Nine-Step Walk and Turn Test: The driver is instructed to walk in a straight line (usually on an imaginary line), taking nine heel-to-toe steps, and repeat the same action in the opposite direction. However, this test is not that simple. The officer is looking for numerous other clues unknown to the driver. A few of these clues include whether or not the driver can follow directions and is able to walk in a straight line without losing balance.

One Leg Stand Test: The driver is instructed to raise one foot approximately 6 inches off the ground and count out loud for about thirty seconds. Swaying, hopping, or using arms to maintain balance are some of the signs the officer is looking for. However, it’s easy to see why this test is very inaccurate and not a good method for determining sobriety, as even a sober person could have trouble maintaining balance for a full 30 seconds if they lack coordination or are over-weight.

Why Do I Need a Metro Denver DUI Lawyer Who is an Expert in Field Sobriety Testing?

If you were arrested on DUI charges after completing one or more field sobriety test, it’s to your advantage to retain the services of a highly skilled and trained Denver DUI attorney. An attorney like Christopher Cessna who has extensive formal training and experience in this area of law will be able to provide you with the aggressive defense you need to fight your charges. As a former DUI police officer, Mr. Cessna has been trained and certified to administer the NHTSA field sobriety tests. In addition, he is also a trained and certified NHTSA SFST instructor, and has taught other police officers and attorneys about standardized field sobriety testing.

Due to his prior experience and training, Mr. Cessna is one of the few attorneys who knows what to look for when field sobriety testing is a factor in a case, as well how to properly cross examine a police officer. If the officer failed to administer the test properly, the results of the tests may be considered unreliable and invalid by the court. Because of his in-depth knowledge of field sobriety testing in DUI cases, you can feel confident knowing that Mr. Cessna will provide you with the best possible defense, and do everything he can to get your charges dropped or dismissed.

Contact Metro Denver DUI lawyer Chris Cessna at (303) 456-1600 to learn how he can defend you against your DUI charges!