WALK AND TURN TEST
The Walk and Turn exercise is designed to divide your attention to follow and remember instructions. It is also used to evaluate the balance and coordination of the DUI suspect. It is normally the second SFST administered. The Walk and turn consists of two stages:
- Instructions stage, and,
- Walking stage
The NHTSA training manual states that “the Instructions Stage divides the subject's attention between a balancing task (standing while maintaining the heel to toe position) and an information processing task (listening to and remembering instructions).”
In the Instructions Stage, the subject must stand with their feet in a heel to toe position, keep their arms at their sides, and listen to the officer’s instructions.
In the Walking Stage the subject takes nine heel to toe steps, turns in a prescribed manner, takes nine heel to toe steps back, counts the steps out loud, and watches their feet. During the turn, the subject keeps their front foot on the line, turns in a prescribed manner, and uses the other foot to take several small steps to complete the turn. The Walking Stage divides the subject's attention among a balancing task (walking heel to toe and turning); a small muscle control task (counting out loud); and a short term memory task (recalling the number of steps and the turning instructions). The walking stage divides the subject's attention between a task of listening, comprehending and carrying out the instruction.
We Can Help!
The Walk and Turn test is administered and interpreted in a standardized manner, the same way every time. The officer is supposed to evaluate your performance by how many "points" you accumulate against yourself, not his "opinion" of your performance. The more points, the worse your performance. Possible points on the Walk and Turn test:
- Cannot keep balance while listening to the instructions;
- Starts too soon;
- Stops while walking;
- Does not touch heel to toe;
- Steps off the line;
- Uses arms to balance;
- Improper turn; and,
- Incorrect number of steps
Additionally, the inability to complete the Walk and Turn test may occur when the subject is in danger of falling or otherwise cannot complete the test.
Common Mistakes of Police:
- Failure to demonstrate the maneuver to the driver;
- Failure to verify that the driver comprehends the instructions;
- Failure to provide the instructions as designated by their NHTSA training;
- Failure to use the NHTSA point assessment method for scoring.
The lawyers of Emerson Law have over 20 years of combined experience and are prepared to assist you in your DUI defense. Our attorneys offer criminal defense for all felony DUI and misdemeanor DUI charges.
We accept cases from Carmel City Court, Hamilton County Court, Boone County, Marion County, Hendricks County and throughout Indiana.
Our law office is centrally located and easily accessible from Interstate 465.
LEARN MORE ABOUT INDIANA DRUNK DRIVING LAWS
- Right to Remain Silent
- Incriminating Statements
- DUI Evidence
- DUI Blood Alcohol Content
- DUI Breath Tests
- Field Sobriety Tests In Indiana
- DUI and Traffic Violations
INDIANA DUI LAWYERS FAQ'S
- What Is a DUI a felony?
- Will I have to serve jail time for my DUI / DWI?
- How long will a DUI / DWI stay on my record, counting as a prior offense?
- If I'm pulled over for suspicion of drunk driving, when must the police officer give me a breathalyzer or blood test?
- Can I get out of my DUI / DWI by plea bargaining for a wet reckless?
- After my DUI / DWI conviction, will I be required to install an IID?
- Will I lose my license for a DUI?
RESOURCES FOR THOSE CHARGED WITH DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
- Official Charged with DUI
- IC 12-23-14 Court Established Alcohol & Drug Services Program
- IC 12-7-2 Definitions
- IC 33-37-8 Local User Fee Funds
- Court Alcohol & Drug Program Rules
- Indiana Statutes related to Confidentiality and Reporting
- Federal Rules: 42 C.F.R Part 2 - Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records
- Court Alcohol & Drug Program Advisory Committee
- Program Directory
- NHTSA Impaired Driving
- Judge Resigns After DUI
- Woman charged with DUI in crash
- DAk Prescott DUI Arrest
- Drunk Driving Laws Don't Match Research
- Supreme Court decision will not impact Indiana DUI tests
JR Emerson is a Carmel, Indiana DUI attorney representing individuals charged with dui, driving under the influence, OVWI, operating a vehicle while intoxicated, OWI, operating while intoxicated. Our DUI lawyers represent men and women in Hamilton County, and throughout Indiana. Cities in which we practice include: Carmel, Noblesville, Fishers, Zionsville, Lebanon, Whitestown, West Clay, Lawrence, Beech Grove, Speedway, Greenwood, Southport, Franklin, Plainfield, Avon and Danville, Indiana.
Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Former Judge of the Whitestown Town Court, Attorney Emerson explains what to look for when considering a criminal defense attorney.
Criminal Penalties in Indiana
From Felonies to Misdemeanors we will explain the possible legal consequences associated with each criminal charge.
How an Attorney Can Help
The State must prove it's case beyond a reasonable doubt. Your attorney's job is to challenge the State's evidence. Learn how an attorney can help with the use of Subpoena's and Depositions.
Testimonials
Whether you are contemplating divorce, or been arrested or injured you are probably scared, unsure what will come next and what to do. Give me a call. We will sit down, go over your options and work to find a way to move forward. Call me or another attorney. But call someone and get the help you deserve.
- JR Emerson, Attorney
I am here to help. I am not here to judge. For nearly 20 years I have been helping people in difficult situations and I would be happy to speak with you to see how I might be able to help you too.
- Jill Bracken-Emerson, Attorney
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About Us
Our office is located on the north side of Indianapolis at 98th Street and Keystone Avenue.
3091 E. 98th Street, Suite 180
Indianapolis, IN 46280
Phone: 1-317-969-8000
Email: Info@EmersonLawLLC.com
Our Services
Our attorneys represent people in need of assistance with personal injuries, car accidents, divorce, family law and DUI/OVWI matters. Our clients typically live in counties throughout central Indiana including, Hamilton County, Boone County, Marion County, Hendricks County and Johnson County. Please contact our office to learn how we can help.
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JR Emerson is an attorney who represents men and women in family law matters including divorce, child custody modification, and child support modification in Marion County, Hendricks County, Boone County, Hamilton County, Hancock County, Madison County, Johnson County. Cities in which he practices include: Zionsville, Lebanon, Whitestown, Carmel, West Clay, Westfield, Noblesville, Fishers, Lawrence, Beech Grove, Speedway, Greenwood, Southport, Franklin, Plainfield, Avon and Danville, Indiana.