Imagine a situation when you are driving down home from the party at a friend’s place. You did have a few drinks, but nothing that had any effect on your driving capabilities. Suddenly a law enforcement officer stops you and starts questioning you. This is a common happening in Seattle; however, what you need to understand is that this may be the first stage of a DUI (driving under influence) investigation.
Often the officer asks you to perform certain tests (field sobriety tests) to know whether you are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA) authorizes certain tests (the horizontal gaze nystagmus, the one-leg stand and the walk and turn) to determine impairment of drunk drivers. However, the laws of Washington State do not make it mandatory to submit to these tests.
You have every right to refuse these field sobriety tests. However, make sure you do this politely. This may or may not lead to an arrest. Also, make sure to get a competent Seattle DUI Attorney as soon as you get the chance if you indeed face an arrest. It may not be possible for you. Ask a family member or friend to find a legal advisor for defense and get a consultation.