Skip to main content

DUI Field Sobriety Test Attorneys in Vancouver, WA

Field sobriety tests look simple. They are built on far more specific criteria than most people realize, and both taking and refusing them carry consequences.

Legally reviewed by Roger Priest · September 24, 2026

Get a Free Case Review

Why Clients Choose VanWa Legal

Dedication

We are available 24/7

Experience

Nearly 30 years of combined criminal defense experience

Insider Knowledge

A former Oregon prosecutor now fights on your side

Trial-Tested

Thousands of criminal matters and dozens of jury trials

The Three Standardized Field Sobriety Tests

Test What officers are trained to observe Required qualification
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Six possible clues involving smooth pursuit, maximum deviation, and onset angle An observation can be consistent with alcohol ingestion, but administration, alternative causes, and the permissible scope of testimony still matter
Walk and Turn Eight standardized clues involving instructions, balance, steps, turn, and completion NHTSA validation claims assume standardized instructions, administration, and scoring; a clue count is not a direct measurement of BAC
One Leg Stand Four standardized clues involving sway, arms, hopping, and putting a foot down Conditions, physical limitations, instructions, administration, and scoring can affect the observation
A police officer administering a roadside field sobriety test

Standardized Field Sobriety Tests

Standardized field sobriety tests are roadside observations used to help an officer assess possible impairment. NHTSA treats the horizontal-gaze-nystagmus, walk-and-turn, and one-leg-stand tests as a standardized battery when they are administered and scored under the manual's procedures. Older percentages tied to a 0.10 BAC threshold should not be presented as current individual-test accuracy figures. A clue count is not a chemical test result and does not by itself establish a person's BAC.

Washington's Supreme Court has held that field sobriety tests are not a constitutional search and that a driver has no constitutional right to refuse them; evidence of refusal was therefore admissible in State v. Mecham. Administration, foundation, relevance, expert-testimony limits, and the circumstances surrounding a refusal can still be litigated. The page should not state that the tests automatically become inadmissible merely because an officer did not call them voluntary.

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus

Officers are trained to observe six possible clues involving smooth pursuit, maximum deviation, and onset angle. An observation can be consistent with alcohol ingestion, but administration, alternative causes, and the permissible scope of testimony still matter.

Walk and Turn

Officers are trained to observe eight standardized clues involving instructions, balance, steps, turn, and completion. NHTSA validation claims assume standardized instructions, administration, and scoring; a clue count is not a direct measurement of BAC.

One Leg Stand

Officers are trained to observe four standardized clues involving sway, arms, hopping, and putting a foot down. Conditions, physical limitations, instructions, administration, and scoring can affect the observation.

Portable Breath Test

A portable breath test is distinct from the standardized field sobriety tests and from an evidentiary breath test after arrest. Under State v. Smith, a result from an unapproved PBT is inadmissible absent state-toxicologist approval or a scientific-reliability showing.

The result or surrounding evidence may still be disputed in a probable-cause hearing. No attorney can guarantee exclusion without reviewing the device, foundation, purpose, and record.

Primary Legal Sources

These government sources support the general legal information on this page. The facts and current documents in an individual case control the legal analysis.

Contact us

Failed a Field Sobriety Test? The Instructions Matter as Much as the Result

Free consultation. Available 24/7. We quote a flat fee up front and offer payment plans on most cases. The number we quote is the number you pay, no matter how many hearings your case takes.

Or Call (360) 281-7314
Gavel and legal scales

Cases we handle

Other DUI Cases We Handle

View all DUI cases

4.9 star reviews based on 110+ reviews

What Our Clients Say About Us

I hired Roger to represent my husband when he was arrested on false charges. From the very beginning, Roger was responsive, knowledgeable and willing to take on the case. He was the only one to return my call when I was searching for help. He is very confident in his ability and worked hard to get all the charges dismissed. He is able to be calm in situations where his clients are anything but. I am so grateful for the services provided by Roger. He is very respected in the legal community here in Vancouver. I hope I never need a lawyer again, but if I did, Roger would be my first choice.
RL Rosie L. 2 months ago
I am writing a much overdue review for Roger Priest after he has gone above and beyond while representing me as my lawyer. Last year I found myself facing legal difficulties after my first and only DUI. While the circumstances were incredibly stressful, Roger's involvement in my case made the process straight forward and my case was resolved in a timely manner. Roger is exceptionally proficient in cases like mine and he demonstrates that in and out of the court room. Not only did he walk me through the process but he put my family's concerns at ease by answering all of our questions and making himself available whenever we needed clarification. I was very fortunate to have Roger on my side during that difficult time and would highly recommend his services to anyone that finds themselves in need of legal counsel. Thank you once again, Roger!
CM Carly M. 3 months ago
Called for advice on what turned out to be a scam call. Roger Priest had me at ease in a very timely manner. Thank you!
FA Florence A. 1 month ago
VanWa Legal exceeded my expectations. From the initial consultation to the final court appearance, they were thorough, strategic, and always had my best interests in mind. Their attention to detail and dedication to their clients is unmatched. Highly recommend!
D Deimer 2 months ago
Roger Priest at VanWa Legal has been instrumental in changing my life for the better. He fought for me and won! I'm forever grateful.
BC Becky C 4 months ago
I met Roger at the start of 2025, somehow after I paid for a fender bender that I caused I was hit with a hit and run little did I know when I had a warrant two years after the incident. As of today my case was entirely dismissed without even going to trial. I couldn't be happier with the results and couldn't vouch for a different lawyer. Every time we had a court date, we were the first ones on and promptly the first case handled. Roger Priest is the man- I would highly recommend you give him a call if you are experiencing trouble.
CC Cristian Carter 1 month ago
Had a consultation with Roger priest this morning, paid attention to detail and what he had to say and he was very honest and upforward not to mention he took the time to look up additional information which lead to the best possible news. I thought my life was over and he gave me hope. Thank you Roger I will be hiring you!!! You give people with a bad past who are trying to do good lots of hope! God bless you.
ML Mr Lopez 3 months ago
Roger handled my case promptly and painlessly. We are from out of state and had spoken with quite a few attorneys in the area before we made the trip. Roger was middle of the road cost-wise (which was truly fair) and was clearly competent, handling the case in one trip over as oppose to the two or even three trip process many of the others were communicating would be the case. I would hire again without a second thought. Thanks again Roger.
SW Shelley W 5 months ago
Excellent responsiveness, considerate and honest. Roger got the job done results were in my favor. Couldn't be happier, Highly recommend!!
KS Karin Saltz 6 months ago
Roger Priest provided truly exceptional service for a family member of mine. He was an extraordinary value for the level of knowledge and proffessionalism he provided. My loved one got the deal of a lifetime thanks to him. If any of my friends or family are ever in a less than fortunate spot and need legal advice Roger will always be my #1 reccomendation.
TV Taylor Vance 5 months ago
Roger Priest is professional, intelligent and experienced, you can tell by the way he holds himself in court. Out of the 21 lawyers I interviewed and compared on an excel spreadsheet. I put my trust in Roger and he didn't let me down.
AM Aaron M 7 months ago
Roger Priest was my Criminal Attorney for a DUI case I had in 2018. Through out the whole process he was in contact and always was reassuring! He gave his honest opinion on rather or not if my case would be worth going to trial, which is hard to come by! Today I left the courtroom a free man to come home to my family with a lot of tension lifted off my shoulders because of how he was articulate and presented my defense. I am very lucky to have him in my corner and to be spared. I will take this experience as a wake up call because these opportunities don't come too often! Mr. Priest definitely deserves a 5 star rating for his devotion and overall performance.
JB JB 8 months ago
Roger Priest was referred to me by another lawyer (who could not take my case). Out of the 3 lawyers I reached out to Mr. Priest was willing to hear my case and not just try and convince me to take the easy route and plead out. He was informative, honest, and very tactical (in his approach with my case). Mr. Priest not only kept me updated with his plans and what to except he involved me in every aspect I could be in. He was very approachable and kind. I won my case, I wouldn't have if I had gone with another lawyer. I am very satisfied with having had Roger Priest defend me. I hope to never have to use his services again but definitely would rehire him again (I wish I could hire him as my divorce attorney).
AS Alicia S. 6 months ago
I recently consulted Roger for my first and only legal matter. He explained at length the legal ramifications that i was facing and he listened closely to all my questions and concerns. He was very attentive and empathic towards my situation and did not rush through things. I would highly recommend Roger to anyone I know seeking legal representation.
IK Itzel Keefer 7 months ago

FAQ

Common DUI Field Sobriety Tests Questions

Are field sobriety tests mandatory?

Washington's Supreme Court has held that field sobriety tests are not a constitutional search and that a driver has no constitutional right to refuse them; evidence of refusal was admissible in State v. Mecham. The circumstances surrounding a refusal can still be litigated.

Can I fail a field sobriety test without being impaired?

Yes. These tests grade small details like balance, arm movement, and following precise instructions, so nervousness, fatigue, injuries, footwear, or uneven ground can all produce clues that look like impairment. That is one reason the results are often challengeable at trial.

Do field sobriety-test clues establish a person's BAC?

No. NHTSA validation claims assume standardized instructions, administration, and scoring, and a clue count is not a direct measurement of BAC. Conditions, physical limitations, and administration can affect the observations.

Contact us

Speak With A Lawyer Now

Free consultation. Available 24/7. We quote a flat fee up front and offer payment plans on most cases. The number we quote is the number you pay, no matter how many hearings your case takes.

Or Call (360) 281-7314
The VanWa Legal attorney team