Field sobriety tests are one way in which a police officer may judge whether or not you are too intoxicated to drive. In general, it is recommended that you do not consent to a field sobriety test, as they are not completely reliable and it may give the prosecution evidence against you.

One of the most common types of field sobriety tests is the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test. When an officer asks you to perform an HGN test, he or she will ask you to follow an object, usually a pen or a light, with your eyes. If your eye has a nystagmus, or involuntarily jerk, the officer will use this as evidence that you are intoxicated and you will likely be charged with driving under the influence.

The HGN test is not entirely accurate, however, as many people can have a nystagmus even when they are not intoxicated. A nystagmus can also be caused by a stroke, a brain tumor, multiple sclerosis, sedative use, and poor vision.

If you choose to perform an HGN test or another field sobriety test and you fail, you will need to contact a Chicago DUI Attorney at the Law Offices of Mitch Furman & Associates as soon as possible.