
Field Sobriety Tests
Bakersfield Field Sobriety Tests
What are Field Sobriety Tests?
Field sobriety tests are used to assess a driver's level of intoxication when a law enforcement officer suspects that the person is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These tests enable the officer to make roadside deductions of the driver's intoxication level.
The standardized field sobriety test approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a series of three tests that are systematically administered:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN)
- Walk-and-Turn (WAT)
- One-Leg Stand (OLS)
Arrested for a DUI? Get started on your case by contacting the experienced attorneys at Humphrey & Thompson today!

How to Fight Field Sobriety Test Results and DUI Charges
It is the responsibility of the law enforcement officer to ensure that the setting of the field sobriety testing is reasonably dry, level and not slippery. The officer should also make sure that there is enough room and adequate lighting to conduct the tests.
If this is not the case, then the officer should try to move and perform the tests elsewhere, and if they fail to do so this error could be in your favor in court. If the field sobriety tests are not performed in a systemized and reliable manner then there are ways to challenge the accuracy of the results.
Some of the factors that impact the reliability of the tests are:
- Not alcohol related causes for performance failure (medications)
- Brain damage or mental disabilities
- Movement of the officer (supposed to remain motionless)
- Suspect wearing unsuitable attire (heels, tight pants, baggy jeans)
- Officer does not properly time the exercises
- Failure of the officer to give adequate instructions
- Preexisting physical or mental impairments (over 60 years old, sick, injured, hearing problems, overweight)
- Environment settings (wet weather, poor lighting, uneven ground, other distractions)

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- KC A.
I had an amazing experience with Kyle! He is a straight shooter and that was crucial for me to hear. I was able to keep all my rights, get my case dismissed and that was huge for me! Kyle was able to take a bad situation for our family and deliver results that allowed us to move forward and grow. I highly recommend Kyle and his team!
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- Joe S.
His experience and knowing what to do helped and he has wisdom in sharing and saying the right thing to calm you in whatever you are going through. At times I was talked to as if I knew the law but when questioned what he was talking about he would take the time to explain. He is a very busy man so it seemed like he was hurried but would come back to explain. Happy with the outcome and glad that we were able to find a great attorney.
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- Jason G.
Mr Humphrey and his staff we nothing short of amazing to me and my family.
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- Felicia E.
He values his clients and understands their individual needs. He will work hard to guarantee that justice is served for everyone involved. He is honest and supportive throughout the entire process. We will never forget what Kyle has done for us.
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- Randy K.
Due to the distance away from the Bakersfield area I was able to deal with the firm by phone and email. Phone service was very timely and they made me feel comfortable. If needed, I would use their services again and recommend this law office.
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Needed a lawyer for our juvenile son for a felony assault case. Public defender was not very helpful and told us that at best our son would be on a very intensive probation for years if not sentenced to a camp. Rob Singh took our case and basically got everything resolved outside of court with the prosecutor within 2 weeks. Alleviated a lot of stress and anxiety by getting our son on a very minimal probation for 6 months and then records completely sealed. Highly recommended and would definitely hire this firm again.- Erik S.
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- Aimee G.
The process was easy and they made it so that I didn't have to appear in court. I highly recommended them!
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- Tina H.
My son was wrongfully accused and charged with assault. I hired Mr. Humphrey to represent him because I heard he was the best and as my son is 19 years old, I did not want this bogus charge going on his record. Mr. Humphrey did an excellent job of representing my son from day one. I am happy to say that the charges were dropped and the case was dismissed. I HIGHLY recommend Kyle J. Humphrey.

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Charges Reduced/Dismissed
Misdemeanor Sex Crime with Mandatory Sex Registration
Settled for no registration and time served after 5 days of trial ending in a mistrial. -
Charges Reduced/Dismissed
Felony Sex Crime
Client was charged with a felony sex crime . His charges were reduced to a misdeanor. He received no sex offender registration and community service instead of jail. -
Case Dismissal
Sexual Abuse
Allegation of Continuous Sexual Abuse Dismissed Before Trial. -
Case Dismissal
Felony Sex Case
Felony Sex Case based on Undercover Decoy Sting Dismissed Entirely. -
Case Dismissal
Rape
Rape Case Dismissed Based on Defense Investigation and Medical Evaluation Before Trial. -
Case Dismissal
Sexual Battery
Local business owner charged with sexual battery, dismissed. -
Jury Trial Acquittals
Molestation and Sexual Abuse of Minors
Mr. Thompson Secures Complete Dismissal of all Charges at Jury Trial for Accusations of Molestation and Sexual Abuse of Minors
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Avoid Sex Offender Registration
Sex Offense
Juvenile Client Has Felony Sex Offense Case Dismissed and Is Not Required to Register

Let Humphrey & Thompson Fight for You
By calling a Bakersfield criminal defense attorney at our firm, you can receive proper representation to protect your rights. We have decades of experience in criminal defense law and can help you through the DUI process and the charges that were the result of a field sobriety test. The penalties for drunk driving are severe, so it is important to obtain experienced legal counsel for your DUI case.
Contact Humphrey & Thompson at (661) 760-7678 if you are in need of an experienced Bakersfield DUI lawyer to fight for your freedom.


