DUI Consequences & Field Sobriety Test

Understanding the Consequences of a DUI in Pennsylvania

A DUI charge in Pennsylvania can have serious, long-term consequences. Beyond the immediate penalties of license suspension, fines, and possible jail time, a conviction can affect your employment, your ability to travel, your professional licenses, and your personal reputation.

At Sheridan Lawyers, we represent individuals charged with DUI in Chester County, Bucks County, Delaware County, and Montgomery County. Our focus is on protecting your rights, challenging the evidence, and minimizing the impact of these charges on your life.

Legal Consequences of a DUI Conviction

Penalties depend on whether this is your first, second, or third DUI offense, your blood alcohol content (BAC), and any aggravating circumstances such as refusal to take a chemical test or causing an accident.

Potential penalties include:

• License suspension: 12 to 18 months

• Fines: Ranging from $300 to $10,000

• Jail or prison time: Ranging from probation for a first offense to years in state prison for multiple offenses

• Ignition interlock device: Required for many offenders after license reinstatement

• Mandatory alcohol highway safety school, counseling, and treatment programs

Additional consequences include:

• Dramatic increases in car insurance rates

• Difficulty securing employment (especially for jobs requiring driving)

• A permanent criminal record

Field Sobriety Tests – What You Need to Know

Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) are used by police officers during DUI investigations to determine if a driver may be impaired. These tests include:

1. Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test

• Officer asks you to follow a pen or object with your eyes.

• Looks for involuntary jerking of the eyes, which can be caused by alcohol.

• Problem: Even sober people can have eye movement irregularities.

2. Walk-and-Turn Test

• You are asked to take nine steps in a straight line, heel-to-toe, turn, and return.

• Officer looks for balance issues, stepping off the line, or using arms for balance.

• Problem: Anxiety, uneven pavement, or medical conditions can affect results.

3. One-Leg Stand Test

• You must stand on one leg, keep your balance, and count aloud.

• Officer looks for swaying, putting foot down, or hopping.

• Problem: Age, weight, and health conditions often make this test unreliable.

Can Field Sobriety Tests Be Challenged?

Yes. These tests are subjective and not always reliable. At Sheridan Lawyers, we:

• Challenge whether the officer administered the tests correctly

• Highlight environmental factors (weather, road conditions, footwear) that affected results

• Use medical records or expert testimony to explain why the results may be inaccurate

• Question the officer’s training and experience.

Why You Need a DUI Defense Lawyer Immediately

DUI cases move quickly, and the sooner we get involved, the more we can do to protect your driving privileges and your freedom. Do not assume that failing a field sobriety test means your case is hopeless.