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Medical conditions that can affect field sobriety test results

On Behalf of | Jul 19, 2024 | Criminal Defense |

Field sobriety tests are often a key aspect of the prosecution’s DWI case. But, despite the weight given to the results of these tests, they’re far from infallible. In fact, many of them result in erroneous results, false arrests, and even wrongful convictions. That’s why if you’ve been charged with a drunk driving offense, you need to see if there’s a way to aggressively and effectively challenge the results of any field sobriety tests that were administered to you. One way to do that is to argue that your performance on those tests was the result of an existing medical condition.

Medical conditions that can negatively impact your performance on a field sobriety test

There are several medical conditions that can impact your performance on a field sobriety test. This includes:

  • Inner ear conditions that negatively affect your balance.
  • Knee issues that impact your ability to stand on one leg or walk in a straight line without losing your balance.
  • Parkinson’s disease, which can result in jitteriness that’s misinterpreted as a sign of intoxication.
  • Mental health conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia that can negatively impact your memory.
  • Psychological conditions like ADD and ADHD that affect your ability to concentrate on the instructions given prior to a field sobriety test.
  • Vertigo, which can leave you unsteady on your feet.
  • Vision issues that make it hard to successfully complete the horizontal gaze nystagmus test.

Fight to develop the strongest criminal defense possible in your case

If you don’t craft a compelling, persuasive, and effective criminal defense, then you could be at risk of conviction and the penalties associated with it. That’s why now is the time to start gathering evidence and figuring out how you’re going to raise reasonable doubt in your case. If that’s something that you need assistance with, then please consider surrounding yourself with whatever kind of support you need.

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