The next stage of an OVI investigation is the officer’s observations when he first makes contact with you. He will make notes of any problems you have safely stopping your vehicle or responding to the cruiser lights. When he/she approaches you they will be looking for clues of impairment ie: the odor of alcohol, the condition of your eyes, your coordination when providing you driver license, your attitude, your speech, the condition of your clothes, and other factors. The evidence must give the officer a reasonable suspicion that you are under in influence. Again your attorney, will review the evidence the prosecuting attorney provides to evaluate whether the extended detention was legal. To support an officer’s suspicion of impairment, you may be asked to perform “field sobriety tests.” They are designed to confirm that you are under the influence or likely to test over the limit. The standardized tests are the walk and turn (walk nine steps, turn, walk nine steps back), the one leg stand (stand on one leg for thirty seconds), and the horizontal gaze nystagmus (follow a pen or other stimulus with your eyes). Remember you are not legally required to perform these tests but there are pros and cons to taking/refusing the tests. Again your attorney will review the video recording of the field tests to see how well you performed and will see how well the officer administered the tests.