Can a Medical Condition Cause You to Fail a Sobriety Test?

Being asked to perform a field sobriety test will make anyone’s heart race, even if you’re completely sober. After all, one wrong move could leave you with a ticket, a license suspension, or worse. Yet, what happens if an underlying health condition is what undermines an otherwise flawless test?

At The Bellinger Law Office, we know that failing one of these physical tests does not automatically make you guilty of driving under the influence. In fact, plenty of sober drivers struggle to walk a straight line or stand on one leg. The reality is that there are several medical issues that can easily mimic the signs of intoxication, from diabetes to recent injuries, and potentially lead to an unfairly failed sobriety test.

What Kinds of Health Issues May Affect Sobriety Test Results?

Field sobriety tests are designed to demand a high level of physical coordination and mental focus. When you have an underlying medical condition, these basic tasks can become difficult to perform even while totally sober. These sorts of health issues may look like:

• Neurological issues like MS or inner ear problems severely disrupt your natural equilibrium. An officer could easily mistake unsteadiness or stumbling for alcohol impairment.
• If you suffer from arthritis or are recovering from a recent injury, your physical movements may be stiff and painful. You might fail the walk-and-turn test simply because your body cannot move fluidly.
• Diabetes and thyroid issues can cause fatigue, dizziness and confusion. Certain diabetic emergencies can even produce a fruity breath odor that police frequently misinterpret as alcohol.
• High-stress situations can trigger panic attacks that result in trembling hands and flushed skin.

These medical concerns may not always be recognized or taken into account by officers.

When Are Field Sobriety Tests Unreliable?

Roadside assessments are highly subjective, as an officer judges your performance based on their personal observations and training. Police officers are not medical doctors. They lack the clinical knowledge to distinguish between a physical disability or health problem and illegal impairment. If they do not know your medical history, they can easily draw the wrong conclusion.

Testing environments also play a huge role in reliability. Uneven roads, poor lighting and bad weather can make balancing difficult even for perfectly healthy individuals. When you combine environmental conditions with an underlying health problem, the test results can become deeply flawed.

Challenging the Results With a Defense Attorney

You do not have to accept an unfair DUI charge based on subjective field tests. A skilled criminal defense attorney can scrutinize the details of your arrest and build a strategic defense to protect your driving privileges. Your defense may take concrete steps to challenge the prosecution’s narrative like:

• Gathering medical records to prove your physical limitations
• Consulting with medical experts to explain your symptoms to the court
• Highlighting the unreliability of the specific roadside environment
• Cross-examining the arresting officer regarding their lack of medical training

Fully demonstrating the impact of your medical condition can help reject the officer’s conclusions based on flawed procedures.

Protect Your License and Your Future

A failed field sobriety test is just the beginning of your legal journey. Medical conditions can absolutely impact your ability to perform these physical tasks. You deserve dedicated representation that understands the difference between a genuine health problem and a criminal act.

If you are facing a DUI charge because a medical issue affected your roadside test, act quickly to protect your rights. Contact The Bellinger Law Office today at 260-428-2214 or schedule a consultation online. We will defend your future and fight to keep you on the road.