Field Sobriety Tests Defense in Jacksonville
Powerful Defense from Our Dedicated Legal Team
If a police officer suspects you are driving under the influence, the officer will ask you to perform field sobriety tests. While the officer will not tell you this, these tests, unlike the breath test, are voluntary and rarely to your advantage to agree to take them as they are fundamentally physical agility tests and can be failed by even a sober person. Nevertheless, if you fail, the officer will use them to defend the decision to arrest you for DUI.
Standardized Field Sobriety Tests
For those who have been arrested following field sobriety tests, there is good news. By working with an experienced Jacksonville DUI lawyer well-versed in these tests, you may be able to invalidate the results in court. Usually prosecutors use breath, blood or urine test results to establish that a defendant is DUI. However, sometimes these test results are not usable in court due to procedural errors. At that point, the prosecutor will fall back on field sobriety tests to prove that you are DUI. The most common tests are:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN): The officer positions an object twelve inches away from your eyes and moves it back and forth. The officer observes your eyeballs to see if they lurch or quiver.
- Walk and Turn (WAT): You are asked to take nine heal-to-toe steps along a line and then turn around and walk back. The officer watches to see if you lose balance or make mistakes.
- One Leg Stand (OLS): While standing straight with arms at your side, you are asked to raise one leg six inches and start counting until the officer tells you to stop. The officer watches for you raising your arms to balance yourself or any other non-optimum action.
Pick Porter!™ We Offer Free One-Hour Consultations
At The Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A., we defend clients charged with DUI in the Jacksonville, Florida area. As former DUI prosecutors, we are alert to police violations of field sobriety test procedure. Furthermore, we know that these tests, even when administered properly, mean little more than the client is not agile. We are also aware that police observations are subjective, biased and often exaggerated. In court, we make these points forcefully as we press for acquittal of charges.
Call (904) 701-0591 or request your free one-hour consultation online to start your defense! **Consultation fees may apply to family law consultations.
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Over the past month or so I had made a call to the Law offices of Jason Porter because I needed to resolve an issue that occurred over 7 years ago. Once I explained the situation the secretary sent me directly to Jonathan Thacher. All I can say is that Thacher did an amazing job handling my case and I am extremely happy right now. I no longer have to worry about that problem ever again thanks to Thacher. The work was effective and everything went through perfectly. Thank you so much man you really took years of stress off my shoulder and I can finally have clarity in my mind.- Joshua S.
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There are times when you may need unforeseen legal assistance and your scared and don't have a clue if youre making the right choice. The decision is not an easy one when it's based on your family and life. You worry if they have your best interest at heart, if they know enough, if they know the right people and it's very emotional & confusing. Ten years ago my family was faced with the worst nightmare any mother could ever imagine & I prayed to God to make the right decision and I did. Meeting Jason Porter & his assistant Darlene C. (she's been with him longer than that), was the best in my life in my family's life. Jason doesn't have a big office turn around, in fact I have watched his office grow to the success it is today. His staff stays because they know they are with a terrific guy & great attorney. I can go on and on and mean every word from the bottom of my heart but the are truly no words to describe the great outcomes he has had for 2 of my sons on separate occasions. Unfortunately, we don't live in a society anymore where "boys will be boys". There are way too many laws and not enough of societal morality (due to a change of the times). Boys may get in trouble, they did get in trouble but with their unfortunate choices, my choice was the better in retaining Jason and his law firm. He is our family attorney forever.- Anonymous
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Jason Porter is the best attorney in Jacksonville!! He has been there for me and my son several times. I have set down with Jason and talked about my concerns and he has always put my mind at ease and has always been there. In my opinion, there is no better attorney!!- Sherry H.
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I recently worked with Jonathan Thacher and am very pleased with the outcome of the case. Throughout the whole process, he was responsive and dedicated and he made it seem like I was the only case he was dealing with. He was on top of getting the necessary measure taken and the end result was outstanding. I would definitely refer anyone to him! Thank you so much, Jonathan!!- Victoria B.
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Mr. Porter is an excellent attorney. He helped me and my teenage son through a very difficult situation. He was right there immediately ensuring we had representation. He even called to follow up to ensure we were ok. He is very passionate about helping his clients. He also does not try to charge you if he knows you don’t have a case. He’s very honest and a great person. Highly recommend him if you need legal advice. Kelley- K.H.
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Jason Porter has helped me on two separate occasions and both times his attention to detail really impressed me. His staff is wonderful and easy to work with. The second time I worked with Jason Porter, he turned what I thought was a hopeless situation into a miracle. He literally got me my life back by getting the charges reduced. His experience as a trial lawyer came in handy when he had to work with the district attorney to change the judge's mind on my case. Jason Porter has a calming demeanor and he instilled confidence when going over the details of my case. I tended to be pessimistic, but Jason Porter would always reassure me and keep me positive. I will never be able to thank Jason Porter enough for all that he has done for me and my family. I hope I never need a lawyer again, but if I do I know I can count on Jason Porter to give me my best chance at a favorable outcome.- Michael C.
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I had contacted Mr. Porter’s office after being in a car accident and having no success on my own with the insurance adjusters. Mr. Porter and his entire staff were all very engaged, expedient and supportive while working on my case. Any questions that I had, I could make a phone call and Hildy or Dani would be on the other end making things make sense to me. Ultimately, they delivered a great outcome that I was happy with. It was a huge weight off my shoulders to have the knowledge and support of Mr. Porter and his staff while navigating through the stress of everything that must be handled after a car accident. In the unfortunate event that I find myself in another similar situation, I won’t hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call back! Thanks for everything!- D.