Field Sobriety Tests

Field Sobriety Test in Contra Costa County

Our Experienced DUI Lawyer Explains Your Rights

In order to request that you submit to a field sobriety test, the officer must have reasonable suspicion for pulling you over in the first place. Officers look for drivers who can’t maintain their lanes, drive without their lights on, drive too fast or too slow, tailgate, and other tell-tale signs. After they pull you over, they will likely ask you to submit to a field sobriety test if they suspect you are driving under the influence.

Knowing your rights can help you feel empowered in situations like this. Ask our Contra Costa County field sobriety test attorney, Anthony Blalock, to review your case and explain your options. Regarding DUI, The Blalock Law Firm, PC is the most trusted source for honest, helpful information.


Call our team at (925) 259-3270 and request a free case evaluation today.


Do You Have to Take a Field Sobriety Test in California?

Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are voluntary in California. You can refuse to take them without penalty. This is important because even sober drivers can fail FSTs for reasons unrelated to their blood alcohol content. Suppose an officer asks you to take a sobriety test. In that case, no matter the situation, you can refuse unless there has already been an arrest for DUI charges.

Field sobriety tests are separate from the official chemical test.

In a field sobriety test, you'll be asked to do some exercises, including:

  • Walk a straight line
  • Touch your nose with your pointer fingers
  • Stand on one foot
  • Follow a pen with your eyes
  • Recite the alphabet
  • Blow into a roadside Preliminary Alcohol Sensor (breathalyzer)

The officer uses these tests to determine whether or not he or she has probable cause to arrest you for DUI. Since these tests can be unreliable, their results are often disputed. The court is less likely to look at the results of your test than they are to look at your blood or breath test.

Strategies for Handling a DUI Stop in Contra Costa County

If you are pulled over, and the officer begins an investigation for being under the influence, we recommend you respectfully limit the amount of information the office can gather against you. For example, the more you speak, the more opportunity the officer has to smell your breath and claim you are slurring your words. Since you aren’t required to participate in Field Sobriety Tests or blow into the roadside Preliminary Alcohol Screening breathalyzer, decline. This will force the officer to decide if they have the necessary evidence (called “probable cause”) to legally arrest you with less -vs- more information. Once arrested, you are legally required to submit to either an official breath or blood test; refusal subjects you to additional criminal charges and the potential for a longer DMV suspension of your driver's license. It is beyond the scope of this website to discuss all the factors that go into evaluating whether to take a breath vs. blood test.


For immediate legal support in Contra Costa County, contact attorney Anthony Blalock. Schedule your free consultation at (925) 259-3270 now.


Our Clients Say It Best

Read Some Reviews From Our Happy Clients Below!
    "I never had to go to any court hearings, my DUI case was dismissed totally."

    Thank God I called Mr Blalock! I felt better from my 1st contact with Mr Blalock, he spent over an hour explaining my case & ...

    - Jack
    "Mr. Blalock is without a doubt the best lawyer anyone could want in their corner. I cannot say enough about his extensive knowledge of the law and absolute professionalism inside and outside of the courtroom."

    Mr. Blalock is without a doubt the best lawyer anyone could want in their corner. I cannot say enough about his extensive ...

    - Trevor
    "BEST BEST BEST Lawyer in this area- I'm so grateful!"

    I probably should've got a DUI but he was successful and getting my charges lowered to reckless driving. He was very ...

    - Siebel
    "This is an excellent lawyer who worked a miracle for me and my family."

    I hired Anthony to defend me for 2 DUIs and in the meantime I got a third. It looked bleak with an expected sentence behind ...

    - Anonymous
    "Couldn't have asked for better help! Anthony Blalock is the right man for the job!"

    I was recommended by a friend to hire Mr. Blalock as my lawyer and I couldn't have made a wiser decision than that! Took care ...

    - M.R.
    "Took care of everything. I mean everything!"

    He kept me up to date on everything that happened. I had a 2 day notice before he went to any court case on my behalf. The my ...

    - Anonymous
    "I would sincerely recommend his help to anyone in need! Anthony Blalock is magnificent lawyer."

    Anthony exhibited and incalculable amount of skill in his ability to represent my case with specific details ,which resulted ...

    - Kimberly
    "Anthony Blalock is awesome!"

    Anthony represented my father in a DUI case. He was able to get the sentence reduced to a Wet Reckless! Anthony made us feel ...

    - Anonymous

  • NACDL
  • Avvo 2015
  • Avvo DUI
  • ABA
  • ACBA
  • Avvo 22 reviews
  • Avvo 10.0
  • CA BAR

Experience Matters

We Can Help You With the Following:
  • Protect your driver's license.
  • Answer all your questions so you don't have to stand alone against the system.
  • Arrange alternative sentencing instead of jail, in most cases.
  • Fight your case all the way through trial, when appropriate.
  • Appear in court for you, so you will not have to appear in court, in many cases.
  • Give you up to date, current advice for your exact problem.

Contact Us Today

At The Blalock Law Firm, PC, we're always ready to take your calls! Give us a call or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.