Hi, I'm Zepsinger. I just had my first Field Sobriety Test.

[ZepSinger]

So I'm pulling into Lansing KS last Saturday night at about 6pm... my band had a gig at a local bar just east of Leavenworth. I look in the rearview mirror and see the cop cherries- crap.

So, I pull over. Cop asks me like 3 times where I'm from and where I'm going- it seemed pretty obvious he was trying to catch me in a non-truth. Tells me he clocked me at 60 in a 50. OK, not the end of the world- I've had more than a few of those in my time.

Suddenly, he says 'sir, have you had any alcohol tonight? I smell alcohol on your breath.' I say no, then remember that I had had one 12oz. beer with pizza at 2:30. So I tell him as much. Then- 'sir, you'll need to step out of your car'. And then I get the battery of tests- follow the little blue light with my eyes, heel-to-toe 9 steps out and back, lift one foot with arms at the side while counting (by the way- those tests are fairly hard to do even when stone cold sober IMO). Backup arrives. Here comes the breathalyzer. He informs me that I can refuse to take the test, but doing so carries a charge in itself. I know I have nothing to worry about, so I say sure. He then says to wait in my car for the results.

I text the other guitarist to tell him I might be late. Or I might not be able to be there at all. The cop comes back and says 'your BAC is less than .01. KS legal limit is .08. You are obviously well under the limit. But here's your speeding ticket. Have a good evening.'

57 years old and my first field sobriety test. Even though I knew I was going to be OK, it still freaked me out a bit(and sorta ruined my night). I dunno, I've heard from many people that you should never submit to these tests- being a FST virgin, I just didn't know what to do for sure. I knew I wasn't going to test drunk, so I felt pretty safe in taking the test. Maybe that was stupid, I don't know. I'm assuming that some of you CP'ers have experienced this honor as well? What have you done in this situation?

Z

[Hog Farmer]

I just tell them "LOOK ! I JACK OFF PIGS DO YOU REALLY WANT TO MESS WITH ME !"

Usually they run back to ther squad car and drive away as fast as possible. Although this one got a big smile and asked me to the show to watch brokeback mountain with him.

[Rausch]

Originally Posted by Hog Farmer

I just tell them "LOOK ! I JACK OFF PIGS DO YOU REALLY WANT TO MESS WITH ME !"

Usually they run back to ther squad car and drive away as fast as possible. Although this one got a big smile and asked me to the show to watch brokeback mountain with him.

So what you're saying is you never get a ticket...

[Dayze]

I do think, however, .08 is retarded.

basically 1 beer and you're 'drunk'.

whatever.

[Nzoner]

Originally Posted by Dayze

I do think, however, .08 is retarded.

basically 1 beer and you're 'drunk'.

whatever.

While in no way would I ever condone drinking and driving I do think it's ridiculous that someone who has been drinking for years is judged the same as an amateur.

[Rausch]

Originally Posted by Nzoner

While in no way would I ever condone drinking and driving I do think it's ridiculous that someone who has been drinking for years is judged the same as an amateur.

$$$

[Dayze]

not to get off topic, but I need to look at the legality of DUI check points.
just from an interesting read/topic perspective.

[ptlyon]

Originally Posted by Dayze

not to get off topic, but I need to look at the legality of DUI check points.
just from an interesting read/topic perspective.

Don't waste youre time

[Dayze]

Originally Posted by ptlyon

Don't waste youre time

already been beaten by a dead horse apparently?

[Cave Johnson]

Originally Posted by sedated

Never, ever, EVER tell a cop you've had anything to drink if they pull you over. Instant probable cause. They will immediately pull you out of the car and give you the FST.

Yeah, that's not true. The PC is the alcohol (legit or otherwise) they smell on your breath. And obvious lying isn't going to ingratiate you with the cop.

If you're tanked, just hand them a card stating you're exercising your 5th Amendment rights and roll the window back up. If you're convinced you're sober, just ask for the breath test, as others recommended.

The tough call is when you're in between.

[Cave Johnson]

Originally Posted by Nzoner

While in no way would I ever condone drinking and driving I do think it's ridiculous that someone who has been drinking for years is judged the same as an amateur.

I was in muni court recently and the judge slapped a 1st time DUI with a 2 year ignition lock. Way harsh.

[Cave Johnson]

Originally Posted by Rausch

Same in Mo. If you deny the test (even stone sober) you lose your license for a year.

Only here they can get a quick warrant over the radio/computer in the car and force you to have a blood draw. Those are less fun.

They'll find your "true" BAC (more reliable than the breath test) and then you'll have that suspension added to the year.

Here, it's not worth it do decline unless you think the 1/2 hour to an hour it takes to draw blood will help you...

Not all jurisdictions get a warrant. There's a case up at the Supreme Court on the issue.

[ptlyon]

Originally Posted by Dayze

already been beaten by a dead horse apparently?

That, and it will just piss you off

[Rausch]

Originally Posted by Cave Johnson

Yeah, that's not true. The PC is the alcohol (legit or otherwise) they smell on your breath. And obvious lying isn't going to ingratiate you with the cop.

If you're tanked, just hand them a card stating you're exercising your 5th Amendment rights and roll the window back up. If you're convinced you're sober, just ask for the breath test, as others recommended.

The tough call is when you're in between.

1) If you are drunk you WILL smell like booze. Open the sun roof/moon roof (why is there a difference?) and keep the windows only cracked enough to pass your information.

2) Keep the vents on to blow clean air in.

3) Avoid getting pulled over. Most of the FST's or DRE training the cops get only requires you to speak or perform (or not perform) the most basic of functions.

4) DO NOT take the most direct route home. The shorter the distance you give someone to evaluate your performance the smaller the sample size. Make turns. Often. Stop often. Turn again.

If you're drunk and on the highway someone will spot you. It's inevitable.

5)Any time it's even a question a cab call is always less expensive than a fine...

[Mr. Flopnuts]

Originally Posted by Dayze

I do think, however, .08 is retarded.

basically 1 beer and you're 'drunk'.

whatever.

That's not necessarily true. I drank 6 in 90 minutes and blew a .041. My fatness saved my ass that night. Buddy was way less "drunk" than I but also lighter and blew a .079. The cop had me drive.

[Dayze]

Originally Posted by Mr. Flopnuts

That's not necessarily true. I drank 6 in 90 minutes and blew a .041. My fatness saved my ass that night. Buddy was way less "drunk" than I but also lighter and blew a .079. The cop had me drive.

lol. wow.
wonder how many it would take for my fatass to go over.

my BIL is a state troooper; maybe I could borrow his breatalyzer and see how long it takes lol