DUI Stops and the Famous Walk-and-Turn:

So you're driving, maybe belting out to your favorite tune, and suddenly you see flashing lights. Next thing you know, you're on the side of the road with an officer asking you to take a field sobriety test. One popular pick from their sobriety toolbox? The walk-and-turn test. And trust me, this isn't your usual catwalk.

Deep Dive into Walk-and-Turn:

Here's the drill: 
- You have to walk straight, heel-to-toe, for nine steps.
- Turn around just the right way without tripping over your own feet.
- Walk back the same way.
Seems simple, but there are EIGHT clues they're keeping an eye out for. If you mess up on just two, they might think you're over the legal alcohol limit.

The Eight Clues:

Alright, here's the lowdown on the walk-and-turn test:

1. Wobbling when you should be walking straight.
2. Jumping the gun and starting before you're told.
3. Not getting that heel-to-toe action down.
4. Not walking in a straight line (like, at all).
5. Taking an unplanned break while walking.
6. Waving your arms around trying not to face-plant.
7. Messing up that turn.
8. Counting issues - walking more or less than nine steps.

Miss two or more of these? They'll think you've had a few too many and your BAC is over 0.08%. But hey, this test has its issues, just like the rest. So, take the results with a grain of salt!

But... There's a Catch!

This test, though it sounds straightforward, can be super tricky, and here's why:
1. Officers sometimes goof up: Even though they're trained, they might mistake your style for a sign you're drunk. Like, walking slowly might get counted as stopping. Talk about mixed signals!
2. Your health plays a role: If you're over 65, have back issues, or even problems with your ears, this test can be a total fail for you. Plus, let's not forget anxiety. The sheer stress of being pulled over can make even the most sober of us look clumsy.
3. Location, location, location! If you're on a slopey road, or if it's pouring rain, or heck, if there's too much sun glare, the test might not be fair.

Why You Should Care:

Bomb the test and BAM – it's evidence against you in court. Even if you only had a sip or two, the flawed test might land you in a heap of trouble. These results can steer the case in a direction that's, well, not in your favor. And trust me, going through the whole arrest and court process is no picnic.

Taking Charge of Your Situation:

Failed the test? Don't panic! At Boise DUI, our super-smart lawyers know this test inside out and can spot if something was off. They'll dissect every little detail from how the test was given to other factors that could've tripped you up. And, if anything was amiss, they'll fight tooth and nail for you.

Got Questions or Need Help?

Boise DUI is here to help! If you're scratching your head over that walk-and-turn test or anything else DUI-related, let's chat. Hit us up at 208-392-1964 or drop us a line online. We're all about getting you the answers and help you need. Stay safe out there, and remember, always call a cab (or a sober buddy) if you've been drinking!