Reader’s Question:

I was lucky enough not to have been charged with DWI after being pulled over a few days ago here in Houston, Texas. During the stop, I was asked to do some tests like walking on a straight line among other things. I knew that the officer was looking for a clue that I was intoxicated, if he found at least one clue, will I be charged with DWI then?

Larry

Houston, TX

DWI lawyers in Houston, Texas usually see the walk and turn test offered with only an imaginary line. It would be difficult to tell that the test would be hard without the studies. DWI lawyers would also commonly see their clients who were ordered to stand heel to toe while the instructions are delivered. Standing in this unnatural pose for one minute while listening to a police officer for important instructions may be more challenging than intended.

It is generally common for a police officer to identify one (and only one) clue would seem to indicate probable impairment. An example is that a police officer would generally say that a DWI suspect “stumbled on the turn.” But according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Study, this would amount to only one indicator of impairment and does not show that the accused is probably impaired.