If you have been pulled over in Miami-Dade County under the suspicion of a Florida DUI, you are not required by law to take a field sobriety test. You may refuse the test, however; your refusal may be viewed as an admission of guilt, and you will likely be arrested for a DUI in Miami.
It is important to know that when you are pulled over and/or arrested for DUI, all of your actions are videotaped by a camera in the officer’s vehicle, and the video footage of your sobriety test will be admissible in court. By refusing the test, you will prevent the state from using this evidence against you.
If you do choose to take a field sobriety test, listen carefully to the officer’s instructions. During the test, the officer will look at your coordination for signs of impairment.
One thing he or she may have you do is to stand with one foot in front of the other, with the heel of one foot touching the toe of the other foot. You will have to stand in that position while following instructions, and keeping your hands down at your side.
This is an uncomfortable position for anyone to manage, whether they have been drinking alcohol or not. If you are too nervous to handle this situation, or feel that you might fail the test, you can refuse the test and immediately and politely voice your desire to secure the advice of a Miami DUI defense attorney.
If you have been pulled over under the suspicion of DUI in Miami, you probably have lots of questions about the implications of field sobriety tests, among other things. To learn more, read our article I’ve Been Stopped For DUI in Florida – What Should I Do Next?
Contacting a Miami DUI Defense Attorney
If you are facing DUI charges in South Florida, your legal team is your best defense. Contact the Miami DUI defense attorneys at Falk & Ross to discuss your case – 877-663-5110.