Field Sobriety Tests

Finder Law Serves Clients Across Jefferson City, Columbia, and Central Missouri

May 7, 2024

Field Sobriety Test are often depicted on television or in movies, but how accurate are their versions? If you’ve been pulled over for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the officer will ask you to perform some tests. These tests are often humorously referred to as the “Roadside Olympics” & their purpose is to assess the driver’s physical & mental perception. There are 3 that are used most commonly & we will discuss them individually. In addition to those roadside tests, the officer may require that you provide a blood, urine, or breath sample. If charged, all of these tests can be used as evidence against you in court.


Nystagmus Test

Nystagmus is a condition that causes the eyes to move in a shaky, uncontrolled manner. Although it can be a chronic medical condition for some, it can also be temporarily induced by drugs & alcohol. In order to test for this, the officer will hold a pencil or his finger approximately 6 inches from your nose & ask you to follow it with your eyes. You will be required to stand still, feet together with your arms at your side during the test. If you’re unable to follow the object smoothly or if your eyes begin to shake, this would cause the officer to fail you on this type of test.



One Leg Stand

There are two parts to the One Leg Stand test. First, the officer will ask you to stand with your feet together with your arms at your side & follow some instructional commands. You will be asked to raise one leg approximately 6 inches off the ground and parallel to the ground (the officer will demonstrate this action). Then, you will be asked to count out loud while you do this until you’re told to stop. Your arms must stay down during the entirety of the test. The officer will be timing you while your foot is in the air for 30 seconds.


Walk & Turn

Similar to the One Leg Stand test, there are two parts to this test as well. During this test, the officer will ask you to walk in a straight line, putting one foot in front of the other, heel to toe. You’ll be asked to take a certain number of steps forward before turning around & doing the same thing the other direction. There are several ways the officer would deem you as failing the test; these include:


  • Starting too quickly
  • Not following instructions
  • Stepping off the line
  • Using your arms for stability
  • Losing count of your steps
  • Not walking heel to toe


Legally, you have the right to refuse any & all field sobriety tests. However, you are required to preform chemical tests due to the Implied Consent Law. If you refuse a blood, urine or breath test, you will be legally penalized. This includes a year revocation of your driver’s license, whether or not you are actually charged with or convicted of a DUI.


If you have been charged with a DUI or other driving violation, call Finder Law today for a free consultation. Sometimes, the Field Sobriety Tests can be thrown out due to their volatility, but you will need an experienced attorney on your side to fight these charges. Daniel Finder has over 10 years of experience in DUI defense & will represent you aggressively & compassionately.


Call us today to get started on your case.

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance, please contact our office directly.

Slip and Fall Personal Injury Claims in Missouri

October 28, 2025
Slip and fall accidents happen every day, often when we least expect them. While some falls result in only minor injuries, others can lead to serious medical issues such as broken bones, head injuries, or long-term disability. If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in Missouri, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against the responsible party.  At Finder Law, LLC, we help accident victims understand their rights and fight for the compensation they deserve.

Navigating Co-Parenting Challenges After Divorce in Missouri

October 23, 2025
Divorce is never easy, especially when children are involved. Even after the divorce is finalized, many parents face ongoing challenges as they work to co-parent effectively. In Missouri, family courts prioritize the best interests of the child, which often means both parents must continue to share parenting responsibilities. At Finder Law, LLC, we understand how overwhelming co-parenting can feel. Below, we outline common challenges Missouri parents face after divorce and practical strategies for overcoming them.

Emotional and Psychological Damages in Missouri Personal Injury Claims

October 21, 2025
When most people think of personal injury claims, they picture physical harm—broken bones, surgeries, or lasting physical disabilities. But not all injuries are visible. Many accident victims suffer emotional and psychological damages such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In Missouri, these types of damages are recognized under personal injury law. If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the mental and emotional toll it has taken on your life. At Finder Law, LLC, we know that emotional injuries are just as real—and just as life-altering—as physical ones. Here’s what you need to know about recovering for these damages in Missouri.

What to Look for in a Family Law Lawyer in Missouri

October 16, 2025
Choosing the right family law lawyer in Missouri can make all the difference when you are facing sensitive legal matters such as divorce, child custody, spousal support, or property division. Family law cases involve not only complex legal issues but also deeply personal and emotional challenges. That’s why selecting the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you can make.  At Finder Law, LLC, we understand how overwhelming this process can feel. To help guide you, here are the key qualities and factors to look for when hiring a family law attorney in Missouri.

What to Do If You Have an Active Warrant in Missouri

September 24, 2025
Discovering that you have an active warrant in Missouri can be overwhelming and frightening. Whether it’s for missing a court date, unpaid fines, or a new criminal charge, ignoring the problem will only make matters worse. Warrants don’t go away on their own, and law enforcement can arrest you at any time—at home, at work, or even during a routine traffic stop. At Finder Law, LLC, we help clients throughout Missouri resolve active warrants and protect their rights. Here’s what you need to know if you’re facing this situation.

Minor Injury Soft Tissue (MIST) Personal Injury Claims in Missouri: What You Need to Know

September 18, 2025
Not every personal injury case involves broken bones, surgery, or long hospital stays. Many accidents—especially car crashes, slips and falls, or workplace incidents—result in soft tissue injuries. These include sprains, strains, bruises, whiplash, and other injuries to muscles, tendons, or ligaments. While some people assume these are “minor” injuries, soft tissue damage can still cause lasting pain, limited mobility, and lost wages. If you’ve suffered a soft tissue injury in Missouri, you may be entitled to compensation. At Finder Law, LLC, we help injury victims understand their rights and fight for fair settlements—even in cases involving injuries that insurance companies try to minimize.

Are Traffic Tickets Public Record in Missouri? Who Can See Them?

September 16, 2025
Getting a traffic ticket in Missouri can be stressful—fines, possible court dates, and the risk of points on your license. But many people don’t realize that traffic tickets are also part of the public record. That means others may be able to see your driving history, which can have long-term consequences for your job, insurance, and reputation. At Finder Law, LLC, we help drivers across Missouri understand their rights and protect their records when facing traffic violations. Here’s what you need to know about how traffic tickets are recorded, who can see them, and why it matters.

What to Do If Your Employer Doesn’t Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Missouri

September 9, 2025
Workplace injuries can happen when you least expect them—whether it’s a fall, a machinery accident, or a repetitive stress injury. In Missouri, most employers are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance to protect employees in case of a job-related injury. But what happens if your employer doesn’t have workers’ comp insurance and you get hurt on the job? At Finder Law, LLC, we often hear from injured workers in this exact situation. Here’s what you need to know if your employer is uninsured.

What Happens If You Violate Your Probation in Missouri?

September 4, 2025
Being placed on probation in Missouri often feels like a second chance. Instead of serving time in jail or prison, you’re given the opportunity to live in the community under certain rules and conditions. But what happens if you violate probation? The consequences can be serious—and in some cases, life-changing. At Finder Law, LLC, we represent clients facing probation violations throughout Missouri. Here’s what you need to know about how violations are handled, what penalties you could face, and why having an experienced defense lawyer matters.

Do You Have to Go to Court to Get a Divorce in Missouri?

September 2, 2025
If you’re thinking about divorce in Missouri, one of the first questions you may have is: “Do I have to go to court?” The answer is yes—but how much time you spend in court depends on your situation.