Can Field Sobriety Tests Be Challenged in a Texas DWI Case?

Field sobriety exercises are commonly used during DWI investigations, but they are not infallible measures of intoxication. Police officers may interpret difficulty walking, balancing, or following instructions as evidence of impairment. However, performance can be affected by physical conditions, environmental factors, and how the exercises were administered. At The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C., we examine field sobriety evidence in DWI cases throughout Longview and East Texas.

Common Field Sobriety Exercises

Officers frequently use the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, walk-and-turn test, and one-leg-stand test.

These exercises are designed to help officers identify potential indicators of impairment. Their evidentiary value depends on the circumstances, the officer’s training, and the manner in which the tests were administered.

Texas Penal Code §§ 49.01 and 49.04 establish the relevant definition of intoxication and the elements of DWI. The field exercises are investigative tools, not independent statutory elements of the offense.

Medical and Physical Limitations

A person with back pain, knee injuries, balance disorders, neurological conditions, or other physical limitations may have difficulty performing certain exercises.

We examine whether the officer asked about medical conditions and whether those conditions were considered when interpreting the results.

Footwear, uneven pavement, poor lighting, and traffic noise may also affect performance.

Reviewing the Video Evidence

Body-camera and dash-camera recordings can help establish what instructions were given and how the driver actually performed.

We compare these recordings with the officer’s written report to identify discrepancies and assess the strength of the evidence.

Call The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C. for Your Free Consultation

If police relied on field sobriety exercises to arrest you for DWI in Longview or East Texas, call (903) 753-7499 for your free consultation with The Law Office of Alex Tyra, P.C.