Police Administration of the One-Leg Stand Test

Many people know about the field sobriety tests administered by police officers to suspected drunk drivers. But these tests are often more detailed and complicated than they seem at first, with strict rules as to how they must be administered. A Sacramento DUI attorney can help you understand the tests and how they relate to your drunk driving arrest.

The one-leg stand test requires the suspect to stand on one leg while the other leg is extended in front in a stiff-leg manner about six inches above the ground. The suspect is instructed to keep his gaze on the elevated foot and count aloud in thousands for a period of time until told to stop.

The typical procedure for administering the test is as follows: Instruct the suspect to stand with both feet together and arms down and to maintain the position while instructions are given. Make clear that they are not to begin the test until you explicitly say “begin,” and ask if they understand this. Instruct the suspect to raise their leg in a stiff-leg manner about six inches off the ground and parallel to the ground. (The officer might demonstrate this stance.) Instruct the suspect to keep his arms at his sides and keep looking directly at the raised foot while counting in thousands (“one thousand one, one thousand two, etc.”). Ask if the suspect understands, then say “begin.”

The officer must administer the test for at least thirty seconds, regardless of how quickly the suspect is counting.

If you have further questions about field sobriety tests, contact dedicated and experienced Sacramento DUI attorney Param Pabla today to schedule an initial consultation.