Field Sobriety Exercises

If you’ve been asked to perform Field Sobriety Exercises (FSEs) in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, or South Florida, you need to know your rights. Attorney Michael White is an experienced DUI defense lawyer who understands the flaws in these tests and how to challenge them in court. Don’t let a faulty FSE lead to a DUI conviction—call now for a FREE consultation and take immediate action to protect your future.

Field Sobriety Exercises (FSEs) in South Florida DUI CasesField Sobriety Exercises (FSEs) in Fort Lauderdale & South Florida DUI Cases

If you’ve been pulled over for DUI in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, or anywhere in South Florida, you may be asked to perform Field Sobriety Exercises (FSEs). These tests—developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)—are designed to assess impairment but are highly unreliable and can be challenged in court.

🚨Here’s what you need to know: ✅FSEs are NOT mandatory – You can legally refuse without automatic penalties. ✅Even sober drivers fail due to nervousness, uneven roads, or medical conditions. ✅Officers often perform these tests incorrectly, leading to false DUI arrests.

If you’ve been arrested based on Field Sobriety Exercises, don’t plead guilty—you may have a strong DUI defense.

What Are the Three Standardized Field Sobriety Exercises in Florida?

Florida law enforcement officers use three NHTSA-approved Field Sobriety Exercises to detect impairment:

1. Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test – The Eye Test👀What It Is: The officer moves a pen or finger side to side, watching for involuntary eye jerking (nystagmus)—often associated with alcohol impairment. 🚨Why It’s Unreliable: ❌Medical conditions, stress, or fatigue can cause false positives. ❌Bright lights or moving traffic can affect your eye movements. ❌Doesn’t measure alcohol levels—only how your eyes react.
2. Walk-and-Turn Test – The Coordination Test🚶What It Is: You must walk heel-to-toe on a straight line, turn, and walk back while counting out loud. 🚨Why It’s Flawed: ❌Uneven roads, bad lighting, or poor weather can impact performance. ❌Anxiety, age, or injuries can cause balance issues—even if sober. ❌Police bias—officers often misinterpret minor missteps.
3. One-Leg Stand Test – The Balance Test🦵What It Is: You must stand on one foot for 30 seconds while counting out loud. 🚨Why It’s Unfair: ❌Medical conditions, past injuries, or vertigo can cause instability. ❌Sloped roads or windy conditions can throw off balance. ❌Even sober people struggle with this test due to natural balance variations.

Are Field Sobriety Tests Mandatory in Florida?

🚫NO! You are NOT legally required to take these tests. 🚫

Unlike breath, blood, or urine tests, Field Sobriety Exercises are voluntary in Florida. Police won’t tell you this, but you CAN refuse without an automatic suspension. However, if you do take them, the results will be used against you in court.

Can You Challenge Field Sobriety Test Results in a Florida DUI Case?

✅YES! These tests are highly subjective and can be thrown out in court.

Common Defenses Against FSE Results: ✔The officer didn’t follow NHTSA guidelines. ✔Medical conditions or injuries affected your performance. ✔Bad road conditions, poor lighting, or police errors led to inaccurate results. ✔Your test was improperly administered, leading to false impairment signs.

A skilled Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney can challenge these results and fight to get your charges reduced or dismissed.

DUI Arrested in Fort Lauderdale? Here’s Why You Need an Experienced DUI Defense Attorney NOW

A DUI arrest does NOT mean a conviction—but how you respond can make or break your case.

🚨Why You Need Legal Help ASAP: ✔Challenging your Field Sobriety Test could mean the difference between freedom and a conviction. ✔A DUI conviction in Florida leads to license suspension, fines, and possible jail time. ✔The prosecution will use FSEs as “proof” of impairment—even if they were flawed.

🚨Call DUI Defense Attorney Michael White – Fort Lauderdale’s Trusted DUI Lawyer📞FREE Consultation – Call Now: (954) 270-0769
🛡Aggressive Defense | Proven Results | 24/7 Availability
✅Serving Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and all of South Florida.
✅Experienced in successfully defending DUI cases—we know how to fight FSEs.
✅Get your DUI charges reduced or dismissed!

🚨Don’t wait—Your defense starts NOW! 🚨