Can Medical Conditions Mimic Signs of DUI Impairment?
All drivers who seem intoxicated do not necessarily suffer from alcohol and drug use impairment. In some cases, it can be difficult for police officers to differentiate between the symptoms of DUI impairment and those of some illnesses.
Since the process of investigating DUI offenses depends greatly on observations made by the police officers, some people suffer unjustified arrest and litigation.
Why medical conditions matter in DUI cases
Some things that police officers look out for during a traffic stop include slurred speech, loss of balance, disorientation, red eyes, or odd behavior. These are all indicators of being under the influence, but sometimes these signs can actually be attributed to certain medical conditions.
Due to time pressure, law enforcement officials may fail to realize that the signs exhibited by the driver could be due to a medical problem. Consequently, many people get arrested despite not being drunk or on any mind-altering substances.
Medical conditions that resemble DUI impairment
There are various health issues that share similar symptoms with intoxication. These include:
- Diabetes and hypoglycemia
- Nerve-related disorders
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Tiredness
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease or other stomach-related illnesses
- Speech impediments
- Any type of physical injury that could impact motor skills
To illustrate, low blood sugar in diabetes can result in confusion, dizziness, and sweating along with difficulty communicating. Some nerve disorders can make a person clumsy and disoriented. Even extreme tiredness can hinder concentration abilities.
In some instances, police might assume that these are symptoms of intoxication during a routine traffic check.
Field sobriety exercises can be affected by health issues
Field sobriety tests are often conducted during the course of a DUI investigation. Nevertheless, such procedures do not always accurately reveal whether a person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Various health issues, aging, body weight, injuries, and physical disability will impact one’s ability to conduct oneself adequately both when performing balance tests and when executing complicated commands.
The presence of such disorders as vertigo, back pains, leg fractures, and even anxiety will make one perform poorly on the test in question.
Breath test issues and medical conditions
It is equally possible for some illnesses to influence the outcomes of breath tests. Such illnesses include acid reflux, also referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease, which sometimes causes interference when conducting a breath alcohol test, because alcohol from the stomach enters the mouth.
Although breath-testing equipment is often used in DUI investigations, it is not always accurate. Illnesses and methods of conducting the test could reduce the test’s accuracy.
Building a DUI defense based on medical evidence
In cases where certain medical conditions could have been a factor in the arrest, the attorney should look at the following:
- Medical history
- Prescription drugs
- Footage taken by an officer’s camera
- Dashcam videos
- Witnesses
- Tests for breath or blood alcohol concentration
A doctor can provide expert evidence to support why the symptoms observed were not related to being under the influence.
Talk to an Orlando, FL, DUI Lawyer Today
FL DUI Group represents the interests of those accused of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Call our Florida DUI defense lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your next steps right away.
